The Tigers have agreed to a $5.8 million deal with first-round pick Bryce Rainer, according to Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com. This amount is slightly above the $5.71 million slot value for the 11th overall pick.
Rainer, a 6-foot-3 high school shortstop from Southern California, had committed to the University of Texas before being drafted. He was the second high school player selected in a predominantly college-focused first round, with Pittsburgh picking Konnor Griffin at No. 9. Rainer is considered one of the top high school talents in this draft class. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel ranked him as the best high school player and the sixth-best prospect overall, while FanGraphs, Baseball America, and Keith Law of The Athletic placed him in the top ten.
Scouts praise Rainer for his potential power and his ability to stay on the left side of the infield. His arm strength is a notable asset, making him a good fit for third base if he outgrows shortstop. However, there are concerns about his hitting abilities; Keith Law notes that Rainer lacks great bat speed and struggles with high-velocity pitches.
Despite these concerns, Rainer has significant potential, especially if he can maintain his position at shortstop and develop 20-plus home run power annually.
The Tigers’ farm system currently features five prospects in Baseball America’s Top 100, including Jackson Jobe, Max Clark, and Kevin McGonigle in the top 30. While Rainer might not immediately join the upper ranks of this list, he brings additional high-upside potential to the organization.
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