Detroit Tigers Draft Auburn Reliever Jett Johnston in 13th Round

Detroit Tigers selected Auburn right‑hander Jett Johnston with the 396th overall pick in the 13th round of the 2026 MLB First‑Year Player Draft on Sunday, adding a hard‑throwing arm to a bullpen that is currently 44‑52 and on a two‑game losing streak after a 0‑5 defeat to the Philadelphia Phillies on July 12.

Who is Jett Johnston?

Johnston entered the draft after a 2026 season in which he appeared in 15 relief outings for Auburn, posting a 0‑1 record with a 5.63 ERA. Over 24 innings he struck out 31 batters, allowed 26 hits and issued six walks. The Texas native also logged 11 relief appearances in 2025, improving to a 4‑0 record and a 5.56 ERA that year.

How did Johnston’s college career shape his draft stock?

Johnston began at Texas A&M, where he saw limited action—just two games as a freshman and occasional time at first base and left field. After transferring to Auburn, he transitioned fully to the mound in 2026, focusing exclusively on pitching. His versatility and steady strikeout rate caught the Tigers’ scouting staff’s eye, making him the seventh Auburn player and fifth Tigers pitcher chosen this draft.

What does his selection mean for Detroit’s bullpen?

Detroit’s pitching staff has been thin, and the Tigers have already taken six pitchers this weekend, starting with Coastal Carolina right‑hander Cameron Flukey at No. 22. Adding Johnston gives the organization a young arm with a high strikeout ceiling and experience in high‑leverage relief roles, potentially filling a middle‑relief slot as the club looks to rebound from recent losses.

When can fans expect to see Johnston in a Tigers uniform?

After signing his contract, Johnston will likely report to the Triple‑A Toledo Mud Hens for seasoning before a possible call‑up later in the season. The Tigers are expected to monitor his development closely, especially given the team’s current 44‑52 record and the urgency to tighten the bullpen after the recent 0‑5 loss to Philadelphia.

How does this pick compare to other teams’ selections?

Other clubs also reached for college talent: the Pittsburgh Pirates chose second baseman Chris Rembert at No. 51, the New York Mets took pitcher Alex Petrovic at No. 181, and the Los Angeles Angels selected Ryan Hetzler at No. 199. Detroit’s focus on pitchers underscores a strategic push to reinforce its staff ahead of a competitive stretch run.

What are the next steps for the Tigers’ draft class?

The Tigers will continue to evaluate their new signees during spring training, with Johnston expected to compete for a spot in the bullpen hierarchy. If he can translate his college strikeout ability to the professional level, he could become a key piece in Detroit’s effort to climb out of the L2 streak and improve its standing in the AL Central.