Detroit Tigers Future Friday: Keep an eye on Reece Hampton

The Detroit Tigers pulled in a very nice haul of ball players in the 2018 MLB Draft. A potential hidden gem is 12th round pick Reece Hampton.

It’s way too early to tell, but Detroit Tigers fans hope that the 2018 MLB Draft will be remembered as a turning point in this franchise’s history. Casey Mize has star potential. Parker Meadows and Kody Clemens both look like impact performers up the middle. Left-hander Adam Wolf and outfielder Brock Deatherage both look like late round steals.

Looking past the tenth round, there is one draftee in particular who has really stood out: outfielder Reece Hampton.

Hampton was plucked in the 12th round out of UNC-Charlotte. He hit .302 with five home runs and 16 stolen bases his senior year for the 49ers, giving him 32 steals and a .301 average in his college career.

Since getting drafted, Hampton has spent time at rookie ball, short-season ball and now at Single-A with the West Michigan White Caps. Through 38 professional games, Hampton is hitting .250 with an excellent .373 OBP and eight stolen bases. His power has yet to appear (1 home run) but with a five-foot-ten, 170 pound frame, that will never be his calling card.

His excellent plate discipline is his biggest offensive strength. He posted walk rates of 11.9%, 18.3% and 14.3% at each of his minor league stops. Additionally, his strikeout rate has been below 20.0% across the board.

Defense

A speedy, high-contact hitter with an excellent eye at the plate is great to have, but doesn’t necessarily scream big league star. However, Hampton’s defense is what could separate him from the numerous toolsy outfielders in Detroit’s system.

Hampton has played primarily center field in the pros, but has played a little bit in left and right. If he can prove to not only be a capable defensive center fielder, but an elite one, that opens up the possibilities for him.

Now you have a speedy, high-contact, elite defensive center fielder who can steal bases. That gives Hampton a much clearer shot at a fourth outfielder job sometime down the line. If he can step into some power, then he could really put it all together.

The Tigers have had a fair amount of luck drafting outfielders in the 12th round. Both Bobby Higginson and Matt Joyce were 12th round picks, and both ended up having very solid big league careers. Perhaps Hampton will be the next great Detroit Tigers 12th round pick?