The Detroit Tigers have at least one of their drafted Sooners under contract, sooner rather than later. And cheaper, too.
Right-hander Trevin Michael, the team’s 10th-round pick Monday (No. 297 overall), agreed to a deal with a $50,000 bonus, more than $100,000 under MLB’s assigned slot value of $152,800, according to MLB.com’s Jim Callis.
Michael, along with Tigers second-rounder Peyton Graham, was a key component of the Oklahoma Sooners’ run to the championship round of the College World Series. The 24-year-old posted a 2.89 ERA with 95 strikeouts in 71⅔ innings, mostly in relief.
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The Tigers also signed sixth-rounder Danny Serretti (No. 177 overall) to a deal with a $293,300 bonus, right at the prescribed slot amount, according to Callis.
The 22-year-old, out of North Carolina, hit .365 with 17 doubles and 10 homers for the Tar Heels in 2022. The switch-hitting shortstop showed stellar plate judgment, with a team-high .437 OBP while striking out just 38 times over 64 games.
In other state signings, former Michigan (and Michigan State) outfielder Joe Stewart, a ninth-round pick (No. 268 overall) of the Los Angeles Angels, signed with that franchise for a $7,500 bonus, according to Callis.
Former Central Michigan right-hander Andrew Taylor, whose selection by the Houston Astros at No. 80 overall, ended Day 1 of the draft, reached a deal Thursday for $807,200, the full slot value according to Callis. Taylor struck out 125 and 126 batters the past two seasons, setting a CMU record each time. His spin rate was among the highest among potential draftees; the Astros organization highly values that statistic in its pitching prospects.
Free Press sports writer Evan Petzold contributed to this report.
Contact Ryan Ford at rford@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @theford. Read more on the Detroit Tigers and sign up for our Tigers newsletter.