Detroit Tigers Projected to Select TCU Ace Tommy LaPour in 2026 MLB Draft

The Detroit Tigers hold the 22nd overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. A new mock draft links them to a power arm from the college ranks. The selection would mark a shift in strategy for the team’s recent draft history.

 

According to Baseball America, the Tigers are projected to select TCU right-hander Tommy LaPour. This connection comes just days after the official draft order was finalized. The pick reflects the team’s improved on-field performance in recent seasons.

Scouting Report on Projected Pick Tommy LaPour

Tommy LaPour is a standout pitcher for Texas Christian University. He possesses a powerful, prototypical frame at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds. His fastball has already been clocked hitting 100 miles per hour.

He transferred to TCU from Wichita State before the 2025 season. LaPour immediately became a Friday night starter for the Horned Frogs. He posted an 8-3 record with a 3.09 ERA over 16 starts last season.

His 88 strikeouts in 90.1 innings demonstrate his swing-and-miss capability. Opposing batters managed only a .213 average against him. His performance earned him First-Team All-Big 12 Conference honors.

Analyzing the Tigers’ Draft Position and History

Picking 22nd is a direct result of the Tigers’ recent competitive success. The team has reached the playoffs in two consecutive seasons. This success comes after a long stretch of high draft picks used to rebuild the roster.

From 2016 through 2024, the Tigers selected in the top ten picks six times. Those picks included cornerstone players like Casey Mize, Riley Greene, and Spencer Torkelson. The strategy successfully returned the franchise to contention.

Selecting a college pitcher like LaPour would signal a new phase. The focus shifts from acquiring elite, high-upside youth to adding more polished talent. This approach aims to sustain the team’s winning window with players closer to the majors.

The Detroit Tigers draft strategy is evolving as the team’s competitive timeline advances. Targeting a pitcher like Tommy LaPour could provide a quicker path to bolstering the pitching staff. This pick would balance future potential with present-day readiness.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Tommy LaPour?

Tommy LaPour is a right-handed starting pitcher for TCU. He transferred from Wichita State and had an excellent 2025 season. He is known for a powerful fastball and a strong, durable frame.

Why are the Tigers picking 22nd?

The draft order is based on the previous season’s standings. The Tigers’ playoff run in 2025 placed them in the later part of the first round. It is a trade-off for on-field success.

When was the last time the Tigers drafted a college pitcher in the first round?

The last college pitcher the Tigers took in the first round was Casey Mize in 2018. He was the first overall selection out of Auburn University. Mize is now a key member of the Tigers’ major league rotation.

How have recent Tigers first-round picks performed?

Recent picks have been crucial to the team’s resurgence. Riley Greene is a multiple-time All-Star. Spencer Torkelson, Jackson Jobe, and others form the core of the team’s current and future roster.

What is Tommy LaPour’s pitching style?

LaPour is a power pitcher with a high-velocity fastball. He uses his size to generate downhill plane and strikeouts. His development at TCU under a former MLB pitcher is viewed as a positive.