Detroit Tigers outfielder prospect Max Clark. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Tigers top prospect turns doubters into fashion statement

By David Hill | Last updated 4/15/24

The Detroit Tigers shocked everyone with their selection of high school outfielder Max Clark with the third overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.

Clark did not see his selection coming either. Wyatt Langford, who was considered one of the two elite college bats in the draft, was still available. Instead, the Tigers chose the 18-year-old Clark, a decision that came after meeting with him for a workout in Comerica Park. Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic reported that both sides came away impressed with each other, leading to the choice.

Clark's selection led to a negative reaction on social media. Fans were ready to label him a bust before he even took the diamond. Clark has taken those comments and used them for motivation. He has also turned those comments into a fashion statement, putting comments from his doubters on his cleats.

No. 1 Tigers prospect Max Clark wearing cleats featuring comments from his doubters is motivation on a whole other level pic.twitter.com/l4t75EImOu
— MLB (@MLB) April 15, 2024

He had been a highly regarded prospect in his own right. Clark was rated as the fifth-best prospect in the 2023 MLB Draft by MLB.com. He had been considered a potential option for the Pirates with the top overall pick. A potential five-tool prospect, Clark was lauded for his elite speed, excellent arm, advanced approach at the plate and ability to make hard contact.

Clark is now considered to be one of the top prospects in baseball. MLB.com lists Clark as the Tigers' top overall prospect and the 19th-best in all of baseball. While his tools have yet to translate into production, he is one of the youngest players in the Florida State League. The production will come in time.

Clark had many doubters after he was selected with the third overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, and now he has turned those doubters into a motivational fashion statement.

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