Bryce Rainer: The Tigers' Promising Prospect on the Comeback Trail
Back in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Tigers made a savvy move by selecting Bryce Rainer as the 11th overall pick. Many expected Rainer to be a top-10 pick, so when he fell into the Tigers' hands, it was a stroke of luck they couldn't pass up. They signed him to a $5.8 million over-slot deal, showing their confidence in his potential.
Rainer made his professional debut in Single-A during the 2025 season. However, his promising start was abruptly halted due to a shoulder injury sustained while diving back to first base.
This setback required surgery, cutting his season short after just 35 games. Despite this, the Tigers remained optimistic about his recovery, anticipating his return for spring training in 2026.
It's understandable if Rainer slipped off the radar for some fans during his recovery, even though he remains Detroit's No. 3 prospect and ranks No. 35 overall according to MLB Pipeline.
While he didn't receive a non-roster invite to spring training alongside fellow top prospects Kevin McGonigle, Max Clark, and Josue Briceño, Rainer is actively participating in the minor league camp. He's expected to be ready for the Single-A Flying Tigers' Opening Day.
Rainer was drafted as a shortstop out of Harvard-Westlake, the same high school that produced Jack Flaherty. Before his injury, he was putting up impressive numbers, hitting .288 with an .831 OPS, five home runs, 22 RBIs, and 20 walks against 33 strikeouts in Lakeland.
MLB Pipeline praises Rainer's arm strength and power, key attributes that make him stand out. Originally a two-way player in high school, Rainer focused on offense during his senior year, showcasing a 90th percentile exit velocity and a 52.8% hard-hit rate before his injury.
Though he's not expected to reach the majors until 2028, Rainer's future is bright. By then, Kevin McGonigle is likely to be a mainstay in the Tigers' lineup. With the team's ongoing issues at third base, Rainer's strong arm could potentially make him a candidate for the hot corner.
For now, the focus is on his recovery and return to form. Tigers fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Rainer is on track to get back on the field in 2026, ready to continue his journey toward the big leagues.