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Tigers' Top 10 Draft Picks: A Legacy of Legends
5 Jul
Summary
- Lou Whitaker, a fifth-round pick, is ranked the greatest Tigers draft selection.
- Several Hall of Fame players, including Jack Morris, were drafted late.
- The draft has consistently supplied talent for championship teams since 1984.
The Detroit Tigers' success across various eras has been significantly shaped by their MLB Draft picks. From the 1984 World Series champions to the contenders of the 2000s, the draft has been a reliable source of talent.
Lou Whitaker, selected in the fifth round of the 1975 draft, has been recognized as the greatest draft pick in Tigers history. He enjoyed a 19-year career with the team, earning numerous accolades including Rookie of the Year, multiple All-Star selections, Gold Gloves, and Silver Slugger Awards.
Other notable draft picks include Hall of Famer Jack Morris, a fifth-round selection in 1976, who became a dominant pitcher in the 1980s. Justin Verlander, a second overall pick in 2004, achieved Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, and MVP awards. Alan Trammell, a second-round pick in 1976, is also a Hall of Famer and a key figure from the 1984 World Series team.
The ranking emphasizes that significant talent can be found beyond the first round. Players like Bobby Higginson, an eleventh-round pick in 1992, and Travis Fryman, a supplemental first-round pick in 1987, also made substantial contributions to the team over their careers.
