DETROIT — Day 2 of the 2022 Draft began Monday, and the Tigers quickly found themselves adding a number of experienced college talents. Here’s a look at who Detroit selected on Day 2; the list will be updated throughout the day:
Round 4: Troy Melton, RHP, San Diego State
The Tigers are no stranger to the SDSU pitching staff, having drafted Garrett Hill from the school in the 26th round in 2018. Melton was a high-rated prospect (ranked No. 135 on MLB Pipeline) but was a project with the Aztecs after spending most of his high school career as a catcher. He posted some impressive numbers in his junior campaign this spring, including 7.9 hits per nine innings and just two home runs allowed over 65 1/3 innings. His fastball averages 93 mph but tops out at 97 to go with a low-80s slider and curveball. He could benefit from work on pitch design, which makes him a potential project for Tigers pitching director Gabe Ribas.
Round 5: Luke Gold, 3B, Boston College
If you wanted the Tigers to focus on offense, this pick fits the profile. Like Jace Jung, Gold is a hitter first, having posted back-to-back outstanding seasons in the ACC. After batting .316 with a .940 OPS in 2021, Gold hit .309 with a .958 OPS this spring with similar power and more doubles (21) while improving on walks (24) and dropping his strikeouts (28). He ranked 87th on MLB Pipeline’s rankings going into the Draft.
Round 6: Danny Serretti, SS, North Carolina
Serretti was a Draft prospect entering last year but returned to school after a rough 2021 season. The switch-hitter rekindled his prospect stock with a bounce-back season this spring, batting .365 with 17 doubles, 10 home runs, 54 RBIs and a 1.004 OPS. He had nearly as many walks (32) as strikeouts (38). The Tigers believe he can stick at shortstop, though he could move to second.