The Detroit Tigers just made their second 2nd Round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft as they have selected 2B Max Anderson out of Nebraska.

Tigers select Max Anderson with No. 45 pick

According to MLB.com, Anderson was the No. 91 prospect heading into the draft:

After providing consistent production in his first two college seasons and two summers in the Cape Cod League, he led the Big Ten in hitting (.410), slugging (.766) and OPS (1.224) in 2023. 

Anderson has a quick right-handed swing and a knack for finding the barrel that allow him to make consistent hard contact. He stays inside the ball and excels at using the opposite field, with 10 of his first 13 homers this spring going to right field. He makes more groundball contact than is optimal, but his combination of bat speed and strength should give him average power. 

Almost all of Anderson's value will come from his bat, with scouts seeing the upside of a Ty France or righty-hitting Max Muncy. He can make routine plays at second base in college but isn't suited to play there as a pro with below-average speed and range and fringy arm strength. He played third base in his first two seasons with the Cornhuskers but lacks the arm for the hot corner, so first base may be his best option despite him being short for the position. 

Bottom Line: The Tigers get a college bat

Heading into the 2023 MLB Draft, the consensus was that the Detroit Tigers would hone in on college hitters. That was not the case with their first two picks as they selected a pair of high school prospects. By selecting Anderson with the No. 45 pick, the Tigers are hoping to get a big bat, as he does not seem to be much of a fielder.