Athleticism, 'all-around tools' make Akil Baddoo an intriguing Tigers newcomer

Immediately you know, from the fluency of his thoughts and words, that Akil Baddoo was tempted by his University of Kentucky scholarship for more reasons than baseball.

“Business,” he said Friday when asked about his probable major had he taken that UK offer.

In fact, a business decision is what he made in June 2016. He opted for $750,000 from the Twins to sign as a professional outfielder and left-handed hitter who four years later now finds himself ready to wear a Tigers uniform for at least all of 2021.

It isn’t a sure thing, although there would appear to be little chance the Tigers won’t carry Baddoo on their 2021 big-league active roster as is the requirement for players who have been…