The MLB draft isn’t even over yet, but the Tigers announced on this morning’s draft conference call that they’ve officially signed first-rounder Riley Greene. Greene was selected with the No. 5 overall pick, which comes with a $6,180,700 slot value, although bonus terms are not yet known. He’s represented by Tripper Johnson of Sosnick Cobbe Karon.
Greene, 18, will forgo a commitment to the University of Florida in order to begin his professional career with the Tigers. An outfielder out of Hagerty High School in Oviedo, Fla., he was a consensus top-tier talent in the 2019 draft, with Baseball America ranking him fifth overall while ESPN, MLB.com and Fangraphs all ranked him as the draft’s No. 6 prospect. Scouting reports on Greene laud his hit tool, with BA’s report labeling him the “best pure hitter in the prep class.” He’s a hit-over-power prospect at present, although BA and Fangraphs suggest that his raw power could eventually turn into above-average game power as well. The consensus on him from a defensive standpoint seems to be that he’ll land in an outfield corner.
Greene is obviously several years away from being a factor at the big league level, as is the case with most high school draftees, but he’ll nonetheless add a high-upside bat to the top of a Tigers farm system that is currently headlined primarily by pitchers. Right-handers Casey Mize, Matt Manning, Franklin Perez, Beau Burrows and Alex Faedo are among the most highly regarded prospects in a rapidly improving Detroit system.
wow that’s quick
No kidding! I don’t think I’d heard of a first round draft pick being signed before the draft concluded, but I’m glad it happened. I always worry about a high schooler and his signability, especially when he’s committed to a college.
id have to imagine he knew he was going to Detrot ahead of time given the consensus of the mocks, and probably was in contact amost right away.
That was fast. I love seeing these guys just sign and get into the short season leagues quickly. I don’t like seeing them drag things out for more money or what have you.
Prolly had a gentleman’s agreement going in. Didn’t see who the tigers scooped up later on but if it was some more high ceiling types and they were able to settle on a figure with Greene for a few bucks below ask could be similar to what braves did in 16 with Anderson/wentz/muller
Nicely done Tigers!
I’m also guessing that the adviser and future agent of Riley Greene was not Scott Boras. lol
Send him to West Michigan
Like to see him play
The Tigers have made it known that they’ve been scouting Riley Greene for 3 years now. It makes perfect sense they knew what both sides wanted.
I’m high on their 5th round pick OF Bryant Packard. A pure hitter but defensively challenged for now.
tigers have been watching him since he was 14. one their florida scouts daughter went to high school with him and their familes become friends.
I thought they’d go after drew Mendoza. They drafted him out of high school, but passed this time. Would have been a second or third round pick. Not sure where he went or when. He was projected as a first rounder but fell.
Nats got him 3rd round. Seems like a steal in my opinion.
Kid is just excited to play with Miguel Cabrera five years from now.
Thanks for the reminder.
I’m sure there are quite a few fans feeling this way about one of their teams picks, but I got a REALLY good feeling on this kid. I think he’s going to be special after a year or two in MiLB. Remember Trout wnt like 25th overall, and no I’m NOT saying he’s Mike Trout. Just an opinion but I guess we’ll see. GO TIGERS