Detroit Tigers sign international prospect from New Zealand

There has never been a major leaguer that was born in New Zealand. The Detroit Tigers are hoping to change that in the coming years.

According to their transaction page, and the Auckland Tuatara Twitter account, the Tigers have signed an intriguing international prospect in Clayton Campbell, an 18 year old from Auckland.

Detroit Tigers sign intriguing international prospect Clayton Campbell

Campbell already made a mark on the baseball world. He appeared in one game for the Tuatara during the 2019-20 season, the last time that the Australian Baseball League was able to operate. Although he was just 16 years old, he notched a single in his only plate appearance.

He is also an interesting prospect from a defensive standpoint. The Tigers have Campbell listed as a third baseman, but he also has experience as a catcher. It is entirely possible that he gets a look at both positions as he progresses through the Tigers’ system, especially early in his professional career.

It will be years before the Tigers truly know what they have in their newest prospect. He will be assigned to one of their complex teams in Florida to begin his time in their system, getting better coaching than he would have otherwise.

Campbell has a long road ahead of himself. He will be at the lowest level of the minors and will likely make a stop at every level at the beginning of his journey. But Campbell also has a chance to make history if he can develop as hoped – he could be the first native of New Zealand to appear in the majors.

The Detroit Tigers have signed international free agent Clayton Campbell to a contract. He could be the first New Zealander to reach the majors.