The Detroit Tigers are pushing in all their chips on a high-upside pitching prospect in the 11th round of the MLB Draft. It may be a stroke of genius — or not.

The Tigers enter Sunday’s MLB Draft picking outside the top 20 for the first time since 2015. Such is the cost of success. Detroit’s late-season run to a Wild Card spot last year means they’ll be picking 24th overall.

There is no tried and true way to "win" the MLB draft. Every team always says it simply picks the best player available, and even those typically need years of training and reps before reaching the majors.

Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch walks off the field after a pitching change during the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Monday, May 19, 2025 in St Louis.