​The Detroit Tigers selected high school shortstop Dominic Pellegrin from Holy Cross High School in Louisiana with the No. 125 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, marking Pellegrin as the Tigers’ fourth selection of the event and their final pick on Day 1. Earlier in the draft, Detroit chose Coastal Carolina right-handed pitcher Cameron Flukey with the No. 22 overall selection in the first round. Flukey, who contributed on the mound during the 2025 College World Series final round, becomes the Tigers’ first first-round pitcher since Jackson Jobe, who went No. 3 overall in the 2021 draft.
Detroit’s Day 1 activity also reflected a corresponding change in their draft package: the Tigers forfeited their third-round pick after signing Framber Valdez, who received a qualifying offer from the Houston Astros before signing with Detroit ahead of the 2026 season.
As part of their Day 1 plan, Detroit entered the draft with four selections in the opening round, including their No. 22 overall pick. The organization outlined its anticipated first five rounds, revealing the following structure: Round 3 would be forfeited (due to the Valdez signing); Round 4 would feature shortstop Dominic Pellegrin from Holy Cross High School in Louisiana; and Round 5 would include the No. 158 pick. Beyond Round 5, rounds 6 through 20 would operate on a 23rd pick for each round, consistent with the 30-team format used for the remaining rounds of the 20-round event.
The Tigers’ Day 1 selections illustrate a strategic emphasis on both college-level pitching and high-upside high school talent, aiming to balance immediate organizational needs with long-term development projections. Pellegrin’s selection at No. 125 adds a dynamic infielder prospect to Detroit’s pipeline, while Flukey’s first-round assignment reinforces the club’s commitment to adding controllable pitching talent with projectable upside.
For readers following updates on Detroit’s draft activity, the organization’s choices on Day 1 reflect a broader plan to bolster the roster with a mix of immediate contributions and long-term upside. To stay informed on further developments across the draft, fans can explore daily summaries and trackers that detail Scott Harris’s selections and the Tigers’ ongoing draft strategy.
If you’re looking for more context on Day 1 outcomes and how these picks fit into Detroit’s broader organizational goals, you can sign up for our Sports Briefing newsletter for daily Detroit sports news, including updates on the Tigers’ draft picks and related transactions.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press and includes reporting with the aim of providing a comprehensive overview of the Tigers’ 2026 MLB Draft selections and the implications for the club’s future. For additional questions or comments, contact Christian at cromo@freepress.com.