Detroit Tigers Pick Notre Dame’s Jack Penney in 2024 MLB Draft
The Detroit Tigers have selected Jack Penney, an infielder from Notre Dame, with the 147th pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. Known for his strong understanding of the strike zone, Penney offers a versatile infield option for the Tigers.
Disciplined Approach at the Plate
Penney, who was initially highly regarded, experienced a slump during his junior year, affecting his draft standing and aligning with the Tigers’ cost-saving draft approach. He was ranked last on Baseball America’s Top 500 players.
Penney’s disciplined approach at the plate is notable, with a 16 percent walk rate surpassing his 13.9 percent strikeout rate, indicating a refined eye and good swing decisions. Jonathan Mayo from MLB Pipeline praised Penney’s ability to generate decent exit velocities and adequate power during the MLB Draft livestream.
Versatility and Potential Roles
The Tigers plan to use Penney at shortstop initially, the position he played in college. Penney mentioned to Irish Sports Daily that the biggest adjustment to playing shortstop again was the footwork. However, he is expected to take on multiple infield roles as needed.
Despite his plate discipline, there are questions about Penney’s long-term viability at shortstop or third base. Scouts see him more as a potential second baseman with moderate tools, likely to carve out a role as a reliable utility infielder.
Penney finished the 2024 season at Notre Dame with a .269/.406/.492 slash line, nine home runs, and an .898 OPS, demonstrating his ability to get on base. His selection reflects the Tigers’ focus on players with consistent on-base skills.
Leave a Reply