The Detroit Tigers have reportedly finalized a deal with first-round pick Jordan Yost, a high school shortstop out of Sickles High School in Florida. According to MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis, Yost signed for \$3.25 million—coming in below the \$3.726 million slot value assigned to the No. 24 overall pick. That under-slot signing gives Detroit some added financial flexibility as they work to sign the rest of their draft class.
Yost, who had committed to play college baseball at the University of Florida, is the second player from the Tigers’ 2024 draft class to officially sign. The club also came to terms with 10th-round pick Edian Espinal, a catcher from UCF, on a \$185,000 bonus.
This marks the fourth time in five years Detroit has used its top pick on a high school player. The team previously selected shortstop Bryce Rainer in 2024, outfielder Max Clark in 2023, and pitcher Jackson Jobe in 2021.
The Tigers will likely use the savings from Yost’s deal toward signing other high-value picks. That includes their competitive balance selection at No. 34 overall, catcher Michael Oliveto out of Hauppauge High School in New York. Oliveto, also a Florida commit whose older brother plays for the Gators, carries a slot value of \$2.83 million.
In the second round, Detroit selected Oklahoma right-hander Malachi Witherspoon at No. 62 overall. The junior, who could return to the Sooners, has a slot value of \$1.45 million.
