Tigers Projected to Select 'Boom-or-Bust' High School Slugger in 2026 MLB Draft

Outfielder Kevin Roberts Jr. from Jackson Prep could be a high-risk, high-reward pick for Detroit.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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According to Bleacher Report's 2026 MLB Draft projections, the Detroit Tigers are expected to select outfielder Kevin Roberts Jr. from Jackson Prep in Mississippi with their first-round pick. Roberts is a 6'5", 215-pound slugger with a 55-power, 60-speed profile, giving him the potential to be a 30/30 player. However, there are concerns about his pitch recognition skills and overall hit tool, making him a 'boom-or-bust' prospect.

Why it matters

The Tigers have leaned heavily towards drafting high school players in recent years, with five of their last six first-round picks coming from the prep ranks. Selecting a high-upside, high-risk player like Roberts could pay dividends if he reaches his ceiling, but also carries the risk of failing to develop his hit tool at the professional level.

The details

Roberts is an imposing physical specimen at 6'5" and 215 pounds, with the potential to develop plus power and plus speed. Bleacher Report's scouting report notes that he has a 'ceiling few can match in this year's high school class.' However, there are significant questions about his pitch recognition and overall hitting ability, which could limit his ultimate upside.

  • The 2026 MLB Draft is scheduled for June.

The players

Kevin Roberts Jr.

A 6'5", 215-pound high school outfielder from Jackson Prep in Mississippi, who is projected to be a 'boom-or-bust' first-round pick for the Detroit Tigers in the 2026 MLB Draft.

Detroit Tigers

A Major League Baseball team that has leaned heavily towards drafting high school players in recent years, including five of their last six first-round picks.

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What they’re saying

“An imposing 6"5', 215-pound outfielder with a 55-power, 60-speed profile, Roberts is a potential 30/30 player with a ceiling few can match in this year's high school class. There are questions about his pitch recognition skills and overall hit tool, which gives him a serious boom-or-bust outlook, but the boom would be a middle-of-the-order center fielder.”

— Joel Reuter, Bleacher Report Writer (Bleacher Report)

What’s next

The Tigers will closely monitor Roberts' development and performance during his senior year of high school to evaluate whether he is worth the risk of a first-round selection.

The takeaway

The Tigers' willingness to take a chance on high-upside high school prospects like Kevin Roberts Jr. reflects their long-term approach to rebuilding through the draft. While Roberts carries significant risk, his potential reward as a middle-of-the-order center fielder could make him an enticing pick if the Tigers believe he can develop his hit tool at the professional level.