Tigers Make Bold Gamble on Contact Skills in First-Round Draft Pick

The Tigers took a surprising swing with their first-round pick in the MLB Draft, selecting Tampa-area high school shortstop Jordan Yost at No. 24 overall, a move that had scouts and analysts doing a double-take.

The Athletic’s Keith Law, who had Yost ranked 72nd on his pre-draft board, called the pick “surprising," even for a club that has taken big swings on upside in recent years. Yost, on paper, doesn’t bring traditional first-round flash. He’s not a big bopper or a showcase superstar. But he is something the Tigers, under president of baseball operations Scott Harris clearly value: an elite contact hitter.

Detroit has made a point in recent drafts of going after players who can control the strike zone, make consistent contact, and limit swing-and-miss. According to Law, Yost fits that profile to a tee. He posted a 7% whiff rate on the circuit last year, an astounding number, even in a smaller sample. His swing is ultra-quiet: no leg kick, no stride, just a quick flinch and short path to the ball.

The concern, however, is that Yost has shown very little power. Scouts who have watched him are divided on whether they feel he will be able to grow into it. Law said Yost will have to hit for a very high average to become an everyday big leaguer unless he unlocks something with his strength. The Tigers are betting he will. He’s young, athletic, and has room to fill out. If the bat develops, it’s a win. If not, they’re still looking at a plus defender at shortstop—or potentially a center fielder—with speed and instincts.

This year’s draft was loaded with shortstops, many of whom are expected to move off the position. While Law called Yost a “true shortstop,” he also noted he could easily move into the outfield. 

He’s committed to the University of Florida, so it’ll take a strong offer to sign him. But the Tigers clearly knew what they were doing with this pick. They’ve shown consistency in what they prefer. They like the contact skills over power and defense over flash. Yost fits that mold perfectly.