Detroit Tigers: Power, Speed the keys for draft picks 2-5

After Casey Mize, the Detroit Tigers have used the MLB Draft to add position player depth. Here’s a look at picks two through five.

The Detroit Tigers bolstered their already pitching heavy farm system on Monday night, selecting Auburn right-hander Casey Mize with the first overall pick. Much has been written about Mize, including our own draft profile.

However, the Tigers have 39 other draft picks, spread out over three days. Here is a look at the four players the Tigers took directly after Mize. Each of them has a great set of tools, and all could have a future impact in the Motor City. We will start with their second round pick:

Round 2: Parker Meadows, OF, Grayson HS

Parker is the younger brother of Pirates prospect Austin Meadows. Meadows is committed to Clemson, but the Tigers are hoping they can entice him to sign with their bonus pool money. Meadows was ranked as the No. 48 prospect by MLB Pipeline, with a 60 grade run score and 50 grade power.

FanGraphs calls Meadows ‘the spitting image of Indians OF Bradley Zimmer‘ and had him ranked at No. 32. He swings from the left side and at six-foot-four and 195 pounds, he could easily grow into his frame and add some serious power. He already has plus speed and is projected to stick in center field. If the power comes, the Tigers could be looking at a true five tool player to help anchor their rebuild up the middle.

Round 3: Kody Clemens, 2B, Texas

Kody Clemens, son of elite starting pitcher Roger Clemens, had an outstanding junior season at the University of Texas. That vaulted him up on the draft ratings, where the Tigers snagged him to lead off day two of the draft. Clemens hit a cool .344 with 21 home runs this season. He is a six-foot, 185 pound infielder who hits from the left side. Some scouts believe he will eventually move over to third base, which shouldn’t be a problem considering his power pedigree.

Clemens may not have been ranked as high as some of the other players available, but Detroit is going to spend a pretty penny to sign both Mize and Meadows. Clemens is a draft-eligible Junior, but is much more likely to sign at or below slot value. That frees up some extra cash for the Tigers to sign their top two picks. That doesn’t mean Clemens isn’t worth a third round selection, just that the Tigers are being strategic with their money.

Round 4: Kingston Liniak, OF, Mission Hills HS

Liniak, like Meadows, is a toolsy center field prospect with elite speed and burgeoning power. He is committed to the University of San Diego, so may require a overslot bonus to pry him away from college. At six-foot-three and 170 pounds, Liniak has a lot of filling out to do. MLB Pipeline had him ranked as the No. 178 prospect heading into the draft.

With Liniak and Meadows, the Tigers are adding plenty of speed and defense to their farm system. Daz Cameron is the organization’s best outfield prospect, but both Liniak and Meadows could compete with him for a future as the Tigers’ starting center fielder.

Round 5: Adam Wolf, LHP, Louisville

The Detroit Tigers finally added a left-handed pitcher to their very solid core of right-handed pitching prospects. Wolf has a 90-91 mile per hour fastball that has touched 93. He developed a cutter that he still needs to work on, but could really help him. He has a curveball and changeup as well that he can locate well, but neither show as plus pitches at the moment.

For now, Wolf has the upside of a back-end of the rotation starter. Think Tyler Alexander. However, he could also end up in the bullpen, where he could focus on developing one of his offspeed pitches into a plus offering while putting some extra oomph on his heater. At six-foot-six and 229 pounds, the size is there for Wolf to get up into the mid-90’s.

Next: What to expect from Detroit's No. 1 overall pick

The Detroit Tigers have no doubt made big strides in improving their farm system through their first five picks. Look for a second post, detailing picks 6-10, coming shortly.