Detroit Tigers: Projecting the top 5 picks in the 2023 MLB Draft

1. Pittsburgh Pirates: OF Max Clark, Franklin HS (Ind.)

In the early part of Spring, suggesting anyone but Dylan Crews for the 1:1 spot would be blasphemous, but it's safe to say it's either going to be Crews or Max Clark at first overall in my book. In my mind, it's going to be Clark who takes the cake at first overall.

It seems like the Pirates will be able to hammer out a deal to make Clark that first overall pick and be able to find common ground on the signing bonus that allows them to pair Clark with last year's selection, Termarr Johnson.

Clark is someone the Tigers were considering at third overall if he were there, but in this case, he's going first overall to the Pirates. If you're curious for more about what Max Clark brings to the table, check out his MCB Draft Profile.

In terms of analysis of the pick, it seems like passing on Crews is insane, but the Pirates may be trying to pull a page out of the Orioles' book and breed their talent to show up to the big leagues together and focus on building a winner. An outfielder that projects to have supreme defensive skills and pop upside to patrol the outfield grass.

Plus, it's been two years since the Tigers took Henry Davis with the first overall pick, so it's not crazy to suggest an off-script pick. After all, Davis has a promising future as well.