MLB Draft: Notre Dame Pitcher Tanner Kohlhepp Selected by the Detroit Tigers

Notre Dame Fighting Irish pitcher Tanner Kohlhepp became the first member of the 2021 Irish baseball team when he was selected by the Detroit Tigers with the third pick in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft, 135th overall.

Kohlhepp pitched for Notre Dame for one season after transferring from Tennessee. He made 23 appearances for Notre Dame on the season, with only one start, but often threw multiple innings out of the bullpen. Because of his multi-inning work and his solid three pitch mix, Kohlhepp may be given a chance as a starter in pro ball.

Over his 61.1 innings on the season, Kohlhepp pitched to 65 strikeouts with a 3.08 ERA and a 7-2 record. He was second on Notre Dame in innings, strikeouts, and wins. Kohlhepp also earned Third Team All-American and Second Team All-ACC honors. Because of his draft slot, Kohlhepp comes with a suggested bonus of $414,000, but as a college reliever, may be a candidate to sign an under slot contract for the Tigers.