Former LSU Baseball Star Gets Traded To Detroit
Former First-Round MLB Draft Pick Mikie Mahtook hasn't been able to carry over the success he had in Baton Rouge to pro baseball just yet. But perhaps a change of scenery will help him. Here's the story from the Louisiana Radio Network:
"Former LSU baseball stand-out Mikie Mahtook has been acquired by the Detroit Tigers from the Tampa Bay Rays. The 2011 first round draft pick hit .195 will three home runs and 11 RBIs in 65 games for the Rays last season."
Mahtook does have one minor league option left, which means the Tigers could send him to the minor leagues for more work if he struggles in the Spring or early in the season.
The hope for Detroit is that he can hit enough to earn a roster spot, where his glove can be used across all three outfield positions. There's also an outside shot that Mahtook could be another reclamation project like JD Martinez has been. Martinez was cut by the Astors in early 2014, before being scooped up by the Tigers, where he's become an All-Star.