Detroit Tigers: Best draft picks by Round in team history

Round 2 – Alan Trammell

(Honorable Mention: Brandon Inge)

Alan Trammell is arguably the greatest player the Tigers ever drafted. He is certainly their greatest second round pick, with a 70.7 bWAR that is nearly four times greater than second place, which goes to Brandon Inge.

Trammell finally got his due in December when it was announced that he, along with former fifth-round pick Jack Morris, is being enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Trammell spent his entire 20 year career in the Motor City, racking up 2,365 hits, 185 home runs, 236 steals, six All-Star Games, four Gold Gloves, three Silver Slugger Awards and the 1984 World Series MVP. His place is cemented among the all-time greats in Tigers history.

Other Second Round Picks

Inge was Detroit’s second round pick in 1998, and although his catching career was short-lived he did develop into a very solid third baseman, one of the best in team history. He was an integral part of the 2006 Tigers squad, and is firmly entrenched as the team’s second best second round pick.

Drew Smyly, James McCann and Milt Cuyler are a few other notable names, although the second round has produced more busts than anything.

Danny Worth, Andy Oliver, and the recently interviewed Shane Loux all were second round busts.

It’s too early to tell, but Detroit’s last few second round picks haven’t fared so well either. Tyler Alexander and Spencer Turnbull are pitching prospects who have scuffled in the minor leagues, and Kevin Ziomek never made it past High-A after going in the second round in 2013.

Let’s hope that 2017 second rounder, Rey Rivera, can fare a little better.