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Let’s take a look at where the MLB Draft Class of 2016 is now

By Joshua Sadlock

TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JUNE 03: Mickey Moniak (2) of the Threshers hits his first home run of the season during the Florida State League game between the Florida Fire Frogs and the Clearwater Threshers on June 03, 2018, at Spectrum Field in Clearwater, FL. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 15: Matt Manning #19 pitches during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 15: Matt Manning #19 pitches during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

9. Detroit Tigers: Matt Manning, RHP, Sheldon HS (CA)

Looking at a lengthy rebuild and with a farm system devoid of high-end talent, the Tigers chose to take a big swing with the ninth overall pick. Detroit went with raw California right-hander Matt Manning. The son of a former NBA player, the 6-foot-6 Manning had a fastball that nearly touched triple digits, but command was an issue.

The MLB draft, more than any other sport’s draft, is a crap shoot, but the Tigers appear to have hit the lottery with Manning. He struck out 46 in 29.1 innings after being sent to Rookie ball to end the 2016 season and walked only seven. As a 19-year-old the following season, Manning went 4-2 in 14 appearances with a 3.18 ERA and 10.9 strikeouts per nine. He did not allow a single home run.

The Tigers were easing Manning into the professional ranks, but let him loose in 2018. He made 22 starts, compiling 117.2 innings with 154 strikeouts and 51 walks. Manning reached Double-A by the end of the year and is off to an even hotter start in 2019. Through his first 12 starts this season, he is 5-3 with a 2.14 ERA in 71.1 innings with 88 strikeouts and only three home runs allowed.

If Manning hits his ceiling, the Tigers will have at least a number-two starter on their hands. With fellow first-round pick Casey Mize also lighting up Erie, the Tigers are looking at having one of the best one-two punches in the league in a year or two if everything breaks right.

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