DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers selected center fielder Derek Hill from Elk Grove High School in Elk Grove, Calif. with their first pick (23rd overall) in the 2014 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Thursday night.
Hill hit .500 (47/94) with 26 runs scored, 11 doubles, seven triples and 30 RBI as a senior at Elk Grove High School in 2014. He also stole 29 bases as a senior and posted a .586 on base percentage.
"The Tigers organization is excited to select Derek Hill this evening," Tigers Vice President, Amateur Scouting and Special Assistant to the General Manager David Chadd said. "Derek is an excellent hitter, a great defensive outfielder and has electric speed. We're pleased to have the opportunity to add him to our organization."
The 6-2, 195-pound center fielder was rated by Baseball America as the sixth-best outfield prospect available in this year's draft and the 22nd-best prospect overall.