Detroit Tigers 2022 MLB Draft: High School Preview

Detroit Tigers 2022 MLB Draft Options – High School LHP

The prep pitching class isn’t quite as deep in southpaws, but the top of the lefty class is arguably better than the top of the right-handed class, with four pitchers boasting first-round stuff. Jackson Ferris moved from North Carolina to Florida to face better competition at the IMG Academy, but he still blows most hitters away with his stuff, which includes a mid-90s fastball, and a curve and change that both flash plus. Brandon Barriera doesn’t quite have Ferris’ projection and ceiling, but he throws a lot of strikes and arguably has better stuff right now, with a fastball hits the mid-90s, a nasty slider, and a changeup with plus potential.

Tristan Smith gives prep hitters fits with his high-spin low-90s heater and nasty breaking ball, but scouts will likely want to see more consistent command and a third pitch. Noah Schultz is a massive lefty with surprising athleticism, huge spin rates, and a funky delivery. His pure stuff is more average at the moment, but it’s not hard to imagine him throwing harder in the next few years.

The last two southpaws on the list are a bit undersized and likely won’t go in the first round, but they both offer an interesting mix of stuff and strike throwing. Levi Huesman has a strong track record of performance on the showcase circuit, and he’ll show three pitches that flash above-average, led by his low-90s fastball and sweeping breaking ball. Michael Kennedy doesn’t quite have the present stuff of Huesman, but it’s close, and he’s more than a year younger.