Akil Baddoo will have to earn his playing time

As a Rule 5 draft selection in 2021, Akil Baddoo burst onto the scene and immediately became a fan favorite in Detroit. In his first major league at bat, he launched a home run on the first pitch he saw. Talk about bursting onto the scene with a bang. Many exciting moments followed and while it was a roller coaster ride, Baddoo finished his rookie season as an above average hitter. At just 23-years-old and with no prior experience above A-ball, it looked like the Tigers had found a piece who would grow as part of its young core.

Unfortunately, the tide turned for Baddoo and he found himself underwater for much of last year. Through April, he hit just .111 with a strikeout rate north of 28…