Clark, who was rated No. 22 overall in Baseball America’s new top 100, is a prep standout from Franklin, Ind. and according to reports, the contract is worth $7.7 million. The bonus slot for the No. 3 pick is $8.34 million; the $7.7 million is the slot for the No. 4 pick.
In the draft, Clark was selected following the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes at No. 1 overall and Dylan Crew going to the Washington Nationals.
“It’s hard to say a high school player has a lengthy track record, but Clark has hit wherever he’s gone facing the best on the showcase circuit,” Baseball America writes. “Detroit needs an offensive boost, and Clark should eventually help provide it.”
The next step for Clark, 18, who was committed to play at Vanderbilt, will be to head to Lakeland, Fla. to begin workouts with the Tigers, possibly this week. He’s regarded as a complete, five-tool player, and as a left-handed hitter, he is a valuable asset in the farm system.
“We think Max is an elite talent, the best player on the board at that pick, and we’re thrilled he got to us,” Tigers team president Scott Harris said. “I think that label, five-tool player, gets thrown around way too much, but we think Max has all five.
“It’s really tough to find players who can change a game on both sides of the ball.
“But I think one thing Tiger fans are going to love is how fast he plays, how hard he plays. He’s a high-school player who is absolutely obsessed with getting better in every facet of his game.”