Step 1 complete: Tigers don't use Rule 5 pick in 2023

Step 1 on the Tigers path to competitiveness is complete. The Detroit Tigers have passed on their selection in the Rule 5 Draft. They had the 11th pick, and chose not to use it.

This is a very good thing. As I talked about earlier today, wasting a roster spot on a player that has no business being in the major leagues would have been a terrible sign for the 2024 season. Good teams don't have Double-A players on their roster.

The Tigers also didn't have anybody taken from their farm system in the Rule 5 Draft, so that's another win. They'll get to keep anyone they chose not to protect.

In the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft, the Tigers did make a selection. They chose RHP Nick Starr from the Texas Rangers organization.

Starr is a 27-year-old in Double-A who had a 5.96 ERA in 48.1 IP in 2023. He has a history of high strikeout rates in the lower levels of the minors. He's likely just someone to fill out the minor league system.

It's really nice to see the Tigers skip their pick. It's the first time since 2015 they've chosen to do that. It's a step in the right direction for a team that needs to show they are a serious organization.