The Detroit Tigers make an impressive hire by hiring Rob Metzler from the Tampa Bay Rays.

For years, Detroit Tigers fans have been wanting more from their farm system. It appears that Tigers fans have hired the right man for the position. Today, the Tigers have named Rob Metzler Vice President, Assistant General Manager, joining the organization after 15 seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays. He has spent the last six seasons as the senior director of amateur scouting.

What Metzler brings to the table is an impressive track record, as he was responsible for the day-to-day scouting operations.

“This is a tremendous opportunity and I’m excited to work with Scott and the rest of our baseball operations staff,” said Metzler. “We’re going to hit the ground running to ensure our processes of amateur scouting at both the domestic and international levels are the best they can possibly be, and search for the most comprehensive information possible to help inform our decision making.

“I’d also like to thank the Tampa Bay Rays organization for an incredible 15 seasons, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we accomplished. The reason I’m here in Detroit is to bring that same energy, passion and innovative spirit, culminating with winning baseball on the field at Comerica Park for years to come.”

Two Rays players who were recently drafted by Metzler are currently ranked in MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects: No. 20 Taj Bradley (2018, 5th round) and No. 81 Carson Williams (2021, 1st round). In recent years numerous other Tampa Bay draft picks were on the top 100 list, including Josh Lowe (No. 73 in 2021, drafted in 2016 1st round), Greg Jones (No. 84 in 2021, drafted in 2019 1st round), and Brendan McKay (No. 12 in 2020, drafted in 1st round in 2017).

The potential to draft better

The last few drafts have been better for the Tigers. Colt Keith and Izaac Pacheco are prime examples of young draft talent (under 21) that grew in 2022.  Metzler has the 8th most WAR in baseball from the draft.