The Detroit Tigers have a knack for spotting talent, especially when it comes to left-handed hitters straight out of high school. Their recent track record in the MLB Draft is a testament to this trend.
Over the past few years, they've consistently picked lefty bats, starting with Max Clark in 2023, followed by Bryce Rainer in 2024, and then Jordan Yost last year. All three were high school standouts, setting a clear pattern for the Tigers' scouting strategy.
But the Tigers' love for left-handed hitters doesn't stop there. Enter Kevin McGonigle, the 2023 No. 37 overall pick, who is making waves as a potential AL Rookie of the Year. Like his predecessors, McGonigle swings from the left side, further cementing the Tigers' preference.
Now, if MLB.com's latest mock draft is anything to go by, Detroit is eyeing another lefty bat with their No. 22 pick. The name on everyone's lips?
Landon Thome, a promising infielder from Nazareth Academy in Illinois. And yes, he's the son of that Thome-Jim Thome, the Baseball Hall of Famer and former Tigers adversary.
MLB.com's Jim Callis highlighted the Tigers' penchant for left-handed prep bats as a key reason for potentially selecting Thome. "We like him.
We’ve ranked him high all year. People love the hitter.
People love the kid,” Callis noted. It's clear that the Tigers see something special in the younger Thome.
Currently committed to Florida State, Landon Thome is ranked as the top player in Illinois. However, a first-round selection-and the accompanying slot bonus of over $4 million-might just be enough to lure him away from college baseball and into the professional ranks. That's a tempting offer, especially when considering the financial landscape compared to when his father entered the league.
Thome's senior year stats are nothing short of impressive: a .535 batting average, seven home runs, 29 RBIs, eight triples, and 49 stolen bases. His versatility on the field, playing both second and third base, adds to his appeal.
Jim Thome, who spent 22 seasons in the MLB, is a familiar name to Tigers fans, having played for teams like Cleveland, the Chicago White Sox, and the Minnesota Twins. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018, he is one of the elite few with over 600 career home runs, boasting a total of 612.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Tigers to see if they continue their left-handed legacy by adding another Thome to their roster. The potential storylines are rich, and Detroit fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about the future.
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Another Tigers Starter Is Suddenly In Trade Talk Too
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Mize has given Detroit a strong run when available, which only adds to the question of what the front office values more at this stage: present help or future return. With both right-handers heading toward free agency and both having missed time this year, the Tigers may be staring at two very different trade chips from the same rotation, and the next few weeks could decide whether either one stays off the market. [Read more 🡒]