Four former Auburn Tigers make Opening Day rosters as they move from the Plains to the Big Leagues.

Four Former Auburn Tigers Make Opening Day Rosters as They Move from the Plains to the Big Leagues

The transition from college baseball to the Major Leagues is a dream for many young players, and it’s one that requires both immense talent and a strong work ethic. For four former Auburn Tigers, this dream has become a reality as they have secured spots on Opening Day rosters in the Major League Baseball (MLB). Each of these players has carved a path from the Plains of Auburn University to the grand stage of the MLB, representing not only themselves but the legacy of Auburn baseball on the national stage.

From their early days with the Auburn Tigers to their rise through the ranks of professional baseball, these four players have shown what it takes to make it to the big leagues. In this article, we will delve into the stories of Ryan Bliss, Casey Mize, Grant Taylor, and Keegan Thompson, all of whom have now secured their place among baseball’s elite.

1. Ryan Bliss: The Versatile Infielder Making His Mark

Ryan Bliss is no stranger to hard work and dedication. Known for his versatility and exceptional defense, Bliss was a standout during his time at Auburn, playing as a key figure in the infield. A second baseman by trade, Bliss demonstrated his abilities as an offensive force as well, earning accolades for his bat speed, contact hitting, and plate discipline. These qualities helped make him one of the top prospects in Auburn baseball history, and after his stellar college career, Bliss was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2021 MLB Draft.

Bliss’ journey to the Big Leagues has been defined by his ability to adapt and excel. In college, he showed the ability to play multiple positions on the infield, a trait that has served him well as he worked his way through the minor leagues. Whether it was playing second base, shortstop, or third base, Bliss continued to improve his craft and gained valuable experience at all levels of the game.

In his short time with the Diamondbacks’ organization, Bliss quickly became known for his steady defense and ability to make key plays in clutch moments. His quick reflexes and baseball IQ allowed him to earn recognition for his ability to turn double plays and keep runners from advancing. On offense, he has the potential to be a dynamic hitter, using his speed to make things happen on the base paths and his bat to drive in runs.

Bliss’ promotion to the Major League roster marks a significant milestone in his career. His success with Arizona will hinge on his ability to show that he can handle the rigors of playing in the majors, especially as he adjusts to facing some of the best pitchers in the world. The Diamondbacks are hopeful that he can develop into an everyday player, contributing both with his bat and glove as they build a competitive team. For Auburn fans, it is exciting to see a player like Bliss make the jump to the big leagues, especially as he has the potential to become a cornerstone for the franchise.

2. Casey Mize: Auburn’s Ace Shines on the Major League Stage

When people think of Casey Mize, the term “ace” quickly comes to mind. Mize was the Auburn Tigers’ star pitcher during his time in Tuscaloosa, and his dominance on the mound earned him the distinction of being the first overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers. Known for his devastating fastball, devastating splitter, and exceptional control, Mize has shown the world that he has the tools necessary to thrive at the highest level of professional baseball.

Mize’s time at Auburn was a display of his undeniable talent, as he repeatedly showcased his ability to dominate opposing hitters. He was the anchor of the Auburn rotation, often pitching in high-pressure situations and delivering clutch performances when his team needed him most. His success in college led to rapid advancement through the Detroit Tigers’ farm system, and before long, Mize was in the Major Leagues, making his debut in 2020.

Now entering his fourth season in the majors, Mize has firmly established himself as one of the key pitchers in the Detroit Tigers’ rotation. His fastball-slider combination has been particularly effective in keeping hitters off balance, and his ability to work deep into games has made him a reliable option for the Tigers. With his impressive repertoire and command of the strike zone, Mize is positioned to be a key piece in the Tigers’ rebuilding effort.

However, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Mize. Injuries have slowed his development at times, but his resilience and commitment to improving have kept him in the conversation as one of the top young pitchers in baseball. As he looks ahead to another season in the MLB, Mize’s focus will be on staying healthy and continuing to develop his game. If he remains on track, he has the potential to become a frontline starter for years to come.

For Auburn fans, Mize’s continued success is a source of immense pride. He is a player who has represented the university with class and dedication, and his rise to the MLB serves as a testament to the program’s ability to produce elite-level talent.

3. Grant Taylor: The Up-and-Coming Star

Grant Taylor’s story is one of patience, perseverance, and steady growth. Unlike some of the more high-profile names in the Auburn baseball program, Taylor made his mark in college as a pitcher with a lot of potential but a willingness to put in the work to become great. Taylor was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 2022 MLB Draft, and while he may not have received the immediate attention of other Auburn alums, he is quickly making a name for himself.

Taylor’s path to the big leagues was more of a slow burn, as he worked through the Cubs’ minor league system. Known for his impressive fastball and developing secondary pitches, Taylor was an intriguing prospect from the start. He exhibited strong command of his pitches in college, and his ability to get outs in various ways made him a versatile option for the Cubs’ farm system. His work ethic and focus on developing his breaking stuff have made him a pitcher to watch in the coming seasons.

While he hasn’t yet cracked the MLB roster, Taylor is on the fast track to becoming a contributor at the Major League level. His impressive performances in the minors have shown that he has the potential to become a key bullpen arm or possibly even a future starting pitcher for the Cubs. Taylor’s future with the Cubs is filled with possibility, and Auburn fans will be eagerly watching his development as he aims for an Opening Day roster spot in the near future.

For now, Taylor’s goal is to continue his steady ascent through the ranks, honing his skills and proving that he has the potential to make an impact in the big leagues. His story is one of hard work paying off, and with each step forward, he continues to show that Auburn can produce not just elite talent but also players with the determination to succeed at the highest levels of the game.

4. Keegan Thompson: A Reliable Arm in the Cubs’ Bullpen

Keegan Thompson’s journey to the MLB has been a testament to his consistency, control, and work ethic. During his time at Auburn, Thompson developed a reputation as a pitcher who could come in and eat innings, getting hitters out with smart pitching and strong command. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2019, and since then, he has quickly advanced through the system thanks to his ability to control games with a variety of pitches and his effectiveness in late-inning situations.

Thompson made his MLB debut with the Cubs in 2021, and since then, he has become a reliable arm in their bullpen. His development as a pitcher is a reflection of the patience and consistency he showed during his time at Auburn, where he was known for his poise under pressure and his ability to stay composed on the mound. Thompson’s fastball, combined with his ability to mix in off-speed pitches, makes him a tough matchup for hitters. As a middle reliever and occasional spot starter, Thompson has provided the Cubs with quality innings in a variety of situations.

For Auburn fans, Thompson’s rise to the big leagues has been a source of pride, as his path mirrors the work ethic that the university instills in its athletes. His ability to pitch in high-leverage situations for the Cubs has made him an important piece of their bullpen, and he continues to show that he can contribute to a contending team.