The 2026 MLB draft is an exciting opportunity for the Detroit Tigers to bolster their roster. With a strategic approach, they can uncover hidden gems in the second day of the draft, where slot values are less restrictive, and teams can offer substantial bonuses without penalty. Here's a breakdown of Detroit's Day 2 picks, with a focus on the intriguing prospects who could make a significant impact in the Motor City.
Round 5, Pick 158: RHP Declan Dahl, Louisiana Tech
Declan Dahl is a 6-foot-3 right-handed pitcher with a promising profile. His journey began at Seminole State (Okla.) JUCO, where he dominated with a 13-6 record, 3.36 ERA, and 1.21 WHIP over 128.2 innings. Dahl's success at the JUCO level caught the attention of Division I Louisiana Tech, where he earned Conference USA Newcomer of the Year and First All-Conference honors in 2026. His 7-4 record and 2.75 ERA over 15 starts showcase his ability to pitch with control and strikeout potential.
Dahl's pitch repertoire includes a 91-93 mph fastball that can reach 95 mph, a 79-83 mph slider, and an 80-84 mph changeup. His low release point contributes to the effectiveness of his secondary pitches, forcing batters to chase. However, his changeup is his best pitch when controlled, sinking, and generating swing-and-miss opportunities. While his slider sometimes leaves the plate, his arm slot helps all three pitches.
What makes Dahl particularly intriguing is his flyball pitching style, with 47.8% of batted balls going in the air. He maintains a healthy 10.1% home-run-to-flyball rate, indicating his ability to control the flyball rate. Dahl's development as a pitcher is an exciting prospect for the Tigers, who can further refine his skills and potentially unlock his full potential.
Round 6, Pick 187: SS Maddox Molony, Oregon
Maddox Molony, a 21-year-old right-handed hitting shortstop, is a highly regarded prospect in the Pacific Northwest. As described by MLB Pipeline, Molony is the best prospect in the region. His freshman and sophomore years at Oregon showcased his hitting prowess with a .969 OPS and 15 home runs. However, his performance in the Cape Cod League led to a slight dip in his draft standing.
Molony's strengths include low in-zone whiff rates and good bat speed, but he may face challenges translating his developing power into games. His pull-heavy approach and underwhelming junior year contributed to his slide in the draft. Despite not being particularly fast for a shortstop, Molony possesses a good glove and ample arm strength. If his power continues to develop, he could transition to a corner position.
The Tigers have an opportunity to acquire a versatile shortstop with a strong defensive skill set and the potential for power. Molony's ability to hit for average and power, coupled with his defensive capabilities, makes him an intriguing prospect who could contribute to the team's success in the future.
