Tigers sign 16 Draft picks

The Tigers began the process Friday of bringing players into their system from last week’s First-Year Player Draft. The team announced it has agreed to terms with 16 of its first 27 selections, including four of the top 10.

All of the signings were college players. Third-round pick Wade Gaynor, a power-hitting third baseman out of Western Kentucky, was the highest selection to agree to terms. Others included Oklahoma center fielder Jamie Johnson, a seventh-round pick, Winthrop catcher John Murrian and University of Pittsburgh second baseman Chris Sedon.

Michigan State catcher Eric Roof, son of Tigers roving outfield instructor Gene Roof, also agreed to terms. He was the Tigers’ 18th-round selection, and will join brother Shawn Roof in the Tigers farm system.

The signings were expected relatively soon after the Draft. The next step for the Tigers will be to try to sign some of their other college draftees, such as University of Texas reliever Austin Wood, as well as top high school talents who are debating whether to turn pro or go to college. The latter group includes first-round pick Jacob Turner as well as sixth-rounder Daniel Fields.