JUST IN:Why the Detroit Tigers draft Bryce Rainer, a high school shortstop, with the 11th pick in the 2024 MLB draft.Rainer, aged 19, showcased impressive stats during…
The Detroit Tigers chose Bryce Rainer, a shortstop from Harvard-Westlake High School in Los Angeles, California, with the 11th overall pick in the 2024 MLB draft.
Rainer, aged 19, showcased impressive stats during his senior season in 2024, batting .505 with four home runs, 28 walks, and 14 strikeouts over 33 games and 127 plate appearances. He also balanced his role as a pitcher throughout most of his high school career, including his final year, but he will focus on playing shortstop for the Tigers.
Detroit has allocated $11,921,800 for its 21 draft selections in 2024, positioning them 13th among all MLB teams in draft spending capabilities.
The No. 11 overall pick used on Rainer carries an MLB-determined bonus slot value of $5,712,100, whereas the top pick holds a value of $10,570,600.
Rainer, a left-handed hitting shortstop standing 6 feet 3 inches tall with a robust physique, has drawn comparisons to Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager.
Seager, who earned National League Rookie of the Year honors in 2016, boasts a stellar MLB career spanning ten years, featuring four All-Star appearances, three Silver Slugger awards, and two World Series MVP titles.
“Yeah, the comparisons to Corey Seager are quite apt,” remarked Tyler Jennings, director of draft content at Prospects Live. “He has a similar physique and build. This year, his bat speed has notably increased, enhancing his power across all fields. I believe his power will likely be a plus at the next level. Defensively, I think he can handle shortstop with his range and arm strength. With his offensive improvements, he appears poised for a long-term role at shortstop.”
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians, a rival of the Tigers in the American League Central, opted for Oregon State second baseman Travis Bazzana as the No. 1 overall pick.
