Rule 5 draft pick Akil Baddoo is turning heads for the Detroit Tigers

He was left unprotected by the Minnesota Twins. As a Rule 5 draft pick the Detroit Tigers claimed Akil Baddoo. The 22 year old outfielder has started the 2021 MLB season with a bang. He is already quickly becoming a fan favorite at Comerica Park and to Tigers fans everywhere. In three games played Baddoo has energized the Tigers.

Akil Baddoo has done something in the modern age of baseball that has never been done. He hit a home run in his first at-bat, the next game he hit a grand slam, then a walk-off single. This is not supposed to happen to a player who was given up on.

BRADENTON, FLORIDA – MARCH 02: Akil Baddoo #60 of the Detroit Tigers rounds the bases on a two run rbi double from teammate Willi Castro #9 (not pictured) during the third inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates during a spring training game at LECOM Park on March 02, 2021 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

Baddoo is a fast outfielder who also possesses quick hands which helps him to generate bat speed with power. However, the Twins organization was waiting for Baddoo to put it all together.

As stated the Twins left him unprotected and the Detroit Tigers scouting department  quickly did their homework and decided to take a shot. So far it is a shot that has hit the mark.

While Baddoo does struggle against left-handed pitching, two seasons ago (no minor league season last year due to COVID-19) Baddo had a strikeout rate of 24 percent, which is on the high end. So far both in spring training and now during the early stages of the season Baddoo has been more aggressive early in the count, which has lead to better success.

Akil Baddoo was the Minnesota Twins #10 ranked prospect. It is not often a team gives up on a top 10 prospect but that is what the Twins did. While time will tell if Baddoo can continue the pace he has started off on and live up to his scouting report, the Tigers and Baddoo are enjoying his early success.

DETROIT, MI – APRIL 4: Akil Baddoo #60 of the Detroit Tigers rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Cleveland Indians during the third inning at Comerica Park on April 4, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

For a rebuilding team, Akil Baddoo has made the Tigers fun to watch through five games played.

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