While many in Michigan were following along with the 2022 MLB draft to see who the Detroit Tigers would select, there were others with local ties who are going to the next level.
Here is a rundown of the local talent taken so far in this year’s MLB draft.
TIGERS PICKS:
Tigers select Texas Tech 2B Jace Jung with No. 12 overall pick in MLB draft
Tigers select Oklahoma SS Peyton Graham with No. 51 overall pick in MLB draft
Clark Elliott, Michigan, OF
Measurements: 6-foot-0, 185 pounds
Bats/throws: Left/right
Drafted: Second round (No. 69 overall) to Oakland Athletics
The buzz: A standout for U-M, Elliot took a massive jump in his junior season. Projected as a corner outfielder in the pros, Elliot was named to the All Big-Ten team by coaches after setting career highs in batting average (.337), home runs (16), RBIs (69) on-base percentage (.430) and runs scored (73). Scouts are said to like his speed and bat-to-ball skills, but he received mixed reviews on how his power will translate at the next level. MLB’s Jim Callis said the upside comparison he has heard is Michael Brantley.
Andrew Taylor, Central Michigan, P
Measurements: 6-foot-5, 190 pounds
Bats/throws: Right/right
Drafted: Second round (No. 80 overall) to Houston Astros
The buzz: Taylor just finished his sophomore season and dominated in each of his first two years in Mount Pleasant. After getting named first team All-American in 2021, by outlets like ABCA/Rawlings, D1 Baseball and Baseball America, he followed it up with another strong year. Taylor finished this past season 8-4 with a 2.45 ERA, with 126 strikeouts. He is sixth in program history in strikeouts in just two years. This was seen as a reach by some experts, as MLB Pipeline had Taylor ranked the No. 156 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline and D1 Baseball gave him a fifth-round grade. His fastball tops out around 94 mph, but has a high spin rate, something the Astros covet. His changeup is seen as his “plus” pitch.
Contact Tony Garcia at apgarcia@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter at @realtonygarcia.