It’s the eternal question: Is it better to draft players out of high school or college? Recently, the Detroit Tigers’ Max Clark came under the microscope after being slammed by fa…
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It’s the eternal question: Is it better to draft players out of high school or college?
Recently, the Detroit Tigers’ Max Clark came under the microscope after being slammed by fans for flaunting his luxury lifestyle despite playing very poorly in spring training. The focus on his long million-dollar necklaces which he wore while hitting and fielding and expensive designer goods over showcasing his spring training experience did not sit well with the fans.
Many have attributed his actions to being young and immature. It is one of the reasons given for why some teams avoid drafting high schoolers.
Stats also show that it is riskier to draft teens. They haven’t yet established a solid track record and take longer to develop.
Recent high school students drafted by the Tigers and who are currently on the roster include Riley Greene and Colt Keith.
Interestingly enough, Kevin McGonigle who is likely to make the team this year is one, too. Unlike Clark, he is completely focused on baseball and doesn’t do social media. His spring training was one of the best ones on the entire ST roster.
On the other side, current players drafted out of college include Kerry Carpenter, Dillon Dingler, Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, Spencer Torkelson, Will Vest and others. Most of the current Tigers (excluding international draft players) were drafted while in college.
The advantage here is a higher level of maturity, more evidence of a proven track record and faster development. On the down side, they tend to be older once they reach the majors and potentially have fewer playing years.
Stats show that MLB teams are leaning more towards drafting college level players. Currently, it is estimated that 70% of all drafted players come from the college level.
Interestingly enough, Scott Harris has dramatically changed how the Tigers draft, concentrating much more on high school players.
If you had to focus on just one group, would you prioritize drafting high schoolers or college players?
Today’s blog addresses this question and allows readers to share their thoughts in more detail. And hopefully, to actively engage with others by responding to their posts and creating back-and-forth discussion threads. The more the merrier!
For this one blog only, you’ve got 6 sentences max to share your thoughts. Of course, you can also respond to other readers.
TT will supply the ammunition. One thought-provoking question. Several options provided.
One hard choice to be selected. One vote.
Ready?
Which kind of players should the Tigers prioritize in drafting?
1. High schoolers
2. College players
VOTE