Clemson Tigers in the MLB Draft

4th Round

Pick 112: Zack Erwin (White Sox)
Pick 124: Tyler Krieger (Indians)

6th Round

Pick: 186: Steven Duggar (Giants)
Pick 194: Matthew Crownover (Nationals)

Interestingly, though not unexpected, Erwin was the first Tiger off the board. Erwin had a 3.04 ERA and as a 6'5" lefty, the White Sox surely love the upside they are enjoying with another tall lefty, Chris Sale.

Krieger hit .339 with a .448 on-base percentage. He's an interesting prospect in that the Indians would likely love him to stick at SS, but his glove has not been his strong-suit at Clemson and he has played more at 2B/DH as of late. He's a much stronger pick for them if he is able to figure out SS. In that regard, he's a bit like the Yankees blue chip prospect Rob Refsnyder out of University of Arizona in that his hitting is advanced, but mastering a middle infield position is what he needs to do to break into the majors.

Duggar was taken by the Giants in the 6th round. He has good speed and a strong arm and belted five home runs to go with his .432 on-base percentage. Finally, Crownover who was Clemson's best performing player this season was taking by the Washington Nationals in the 6th round. The Tommy John alumnus stands at 6'0". The combination of those two descriptors may be why he wasn't drafted even higher, as MLB teams want pitchers that have the size to handle the rigors of the long professional season. Still, with an ERA of 1.82, he was the best pitcher in the ACC and is a nice addition for Washington.

Earlier this year, a draft expert shared his projection with us that Crownover would likely to be picked in the 4th to 8th round range and he was spot on. Being selected in those top 10 rounds is really where the draft slot values are enticing. The Clemson players drafted between pick 112-194 can expect signing bonuses in the range of 225,000 - $475,000. We sincerely hope their agents and team can work out beneficial agreements on the high-end of that range!

On the downside, this does illustrate just how empty Coach Leggett is leaving the cupboard for the new regime. There will be those who point to the new coach and athletic director if and when next year's team struggles, but doing so will be biased and intellectually dishonest. The amount of talent departing is a sharp reminder of just how badly this team underachieved. Hopefully, next year's team can overachieve and return to the NCAA tournament.

The draft continues on Wednesday beginning at noon.