Baseball fans know that the MLB draft is one of the most important events of the year. It’s a chance for teams to acquire new talent and build for the future. In 2018, the Detroit Tigers used their 79th overall pick to select Kody Clemens, a promising second baseman out of the University of Texas.
Clemens had already made a name for himself during his college career, but it was his potential as a professional player that caught the Tigers’ attention.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Kody Clemens and the team that drafted him, exploring his college and professional career, as well as what the future may hold for this talented player.
Kody Clemens’ College Career
Kody Clemens’ college career was nothing short of impressive. The second baseman played for the University of Texas Longhorns from 2016 to 2018, and he quickly became one of the team’s most valuable players.
During his time at Texas, Clemens had a batting average of .305, an on-base percentage of .414, and a slugging percentage of .580.
He hit a total of 31 home runs and 20 doubles, and he drove in 106 RBIs. Clemens was also known for his solid defense, with a .971 fielding percentage and only 9 errors in 123 games played.
Clemens’ accomplishments during his college career did not go unnoticed. In 2018, he was named the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year, as well as a First-Team All-American.
He was also a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, which is given to the best amateur baseball player in the country.
Clemens’ biggest moment during his college career came in the 2018 NCAA Tournament. He led the Longhorns to the Austin Regional championship, hitting three home runs and driving in six runs in the final game against Texas A&M.
Clemens’ performance in the tournament earned him Most Outstanding Player honors.
Overall, Kody Clemens’ college career was a testament to his talent and hard work. His impressive numbers and numerous accolades caught the attention of MLB teams, including the Detroit Tigers, who drafted him in the third round of the 2018 MLB draft.
The 2018 Mlb Draft
The MLB draft is an annual event in which teams select eligible amateur baseball players. The draft is comprised of 40 rounds and is intended to provide a way for teams to acquire new talent and build for the future.
The draft order is determined by the previous year’s standings, with the worst team selecting first.
Kody Clemens was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the third round of the 2018 MLB draft, with the 79th overall pick. Before Clemens was selected, there were 78 other players drafted by various teams in the first two rounds.
The Detroit Tigers had a clear strategy in the 2018 draft: to rebuild their farm system with young, talented players. This strategy was evident in their first two picks, as they selected pitcher Casey Mize with the first overall pick and then selected outfielder Parker Meadows in the second round.
When it came to selecting Kody Clemens, the Tigers saw an opportunity to add a talented second baseman to their organization. Clemens’ strong college career and potential as a professional player made him an attractive option for the Tigers.
Overall, the Tigers’ draft strategy in 2018 was focused on acquiring young, talented players who could help them build for the future.
By selecting Kody Clemens in the third round, they added a player with a proven track record of success and the potential to make an impact at the professional level.
Kody Clemens’ Professional Career
After being drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2018, Kody Clemens began his professional career in the minor leagues. He started out in the Gulf Coast League and then moved on to play for the Connecticut Tigers in the New York-Penn League.
During his time in the minors, Clemens continued to showcase his talent and potential as a professional player.
In 2019, he was promoted to the Lakeland Flying Tigers of the Advanced-A Florida State League. Clemens had a solid season, hitting .238 with 20 doubles, six home runs, and 39 RBIs.
As he progressed through the minors, Clemens continued to develop as a player. He worked on refining his swing and improving his defense, and he also gained valuable experience playing at a higher level of competition.
In 2022, Kody Clemens made his major league debut for the Detroit Tigers. He played in 80 games for the Tigers, hitting .219 with seven home runs and 24 RBIs.
While his numbers may not have been eye-popping, Clemens showed that he belonged at the major league level. He played solid defense at second base and provided a spark for the Tigers’ offense on multiple occasions.
After the 2022 season, Clemens was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. While his time with the Tigers may have been brief, it was clear that he had the potential to be a valuable contributor at the major league level.
As he continues to develop and gain experience, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for Kody Clemens in the world of professional baseball.
Kody Clemens’ Professional Baseball Career Summary
| Year | Team(s) | Level | Games Played | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | GCL Tigers | Rookie | 27 | .288 | 4 | 18 |
| 2018 | Connecticut Tigers | Short-Season A | 40 | .302 | 4 | 22 |
| 2019 | Lakeland Flying Tigers | Advanced-A | 116 | .238 | 6 | 39 |
| 2020 | No Minor League Season | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2021 | Erie SeaWolves | Double-A | 112 | .284 | 19 | 49 |
| 2022 | Toledo Mud Hens | Triple-A | 74 | .254 | 11 | 36 |
| 2022 | Detroit Tigers | MLB | 80 | .219 | 7 | 24 |
| 2023 | Philadelphia Phillies | MLB | – | – | – | – |
Note: Data accurate as of April 2023.
FAQs
Is Kody Clemens related to Roger Clemens?
Yes, Kody Clemens is the son of legendary MLB pitcher Roger Clemens.
What position does Kody Clemens play?
Kody Clemens is a second baseman.
What kind of player is Kody Clemens?
Kody Clemens is known for his powerful swing and solid defense at second base. He has shown potential as a contributor to a team’s offense and has demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to improving as a player.
What was Kody Clemens’ college career like?
Kody Clemens had an impressive college career playing for the Texas Longhorns. He was a standout player and earned numerous accolades, including being named the Big 12 Player of the Year and a first-team All-American.
What teams has Kody Clemens played for?
Kody Clemens was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2018 and made his major league debut for them in 2022. He was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies after the 2022 season. Prior to his time in the majors, Clemens played in the minor leagues for various Tigers’ affiliates.
Conclusion
Kody Clemens’ journey from college baseball star to professional player has been an impressive one. He proved himself as a valuable player during his time with the Texas Longhorns, earning numerous accolades and catching the attention of MLB teams.
The Detroit Tigers saw potential in Clemens and drafted him in the third round of the 2018 draft, and he has since worked his way up through the minor leagues to make his major league debut.
While his debut season with the Tigers may not have been a breakout year, Clemens showed that he belonged at the major league level and demonstrated his potential as a solid second baseman and contributor to a team’s offense.
As he continues to develop and gain experience, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for Kody Clemens in professional baseball.
Overall, Kody Clemens’ journey is a testament to the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the world of baseball. His impressive college career and continued success as a professional player are a testament to his talent and the potential for even greater things to come.
