'Tis the season for buying – and the Tigers hope they found a bargain Thursday when they grabbed Twins outfielder Akil Baddoo with the third pick in MLB’s Rule 5 Draft.
Baddoo, 22, has a lyrical name destined for significant Tigers jersey sales should he find a season-long 2021 home on Detroit’s active roster and happy days at Comerica Park afterward.
But it was his left-handed bat, his speed, his size (6-foot-1, 210 pounds), his ability to play three outfield posts, and his overall potential that led the Tigers to bite.
“If he sticks, he’s a legitimate center fielder and everyday prospect,” said Al Avila, the Tigers general manager whose team also lost a player Thursday – right-handed reliever Will Vest, who was snagged by the Mariners.