Ignored in the recent major baseball draft, Quebec receiver Archer Brookman has signed an agreement with the Detroit Tigers organization as a free agent.
The 23-year-old athlete, originally from Pointe-Claire, had finished his stay in the NCAA, with the Buckeyes of the University of Ohio, during the last season.
“I really had no more expectations and got that call from the Tigers. Immediately, I called my father [Andy] to tell him the news,” said the 23-year-old athlete from Pointe-Claire on Friday morning.
Brookman, who proudly wore the colors of the LaSalle Cardinals in the Quebec Junior Elite Baseball League, was quietly giving up on his old dream of playing professional. However, all it took was a simple phone call from the Tigers, received on Wednesday, to spark the flame.
The Quebecer ended his stay in the NCAA with the Ohio State University Buckeyes last season. Based in the Columbus area, Brookman will now fly to Florida on Sunday to meet in Lakeland, at the Tigers training ground.
After the medicals, he should officially put his signature on his contract on Monday. “I’m so happy to get this opportunity,” Brookman said. In the Tigers organization, I know a few former Buckeyes teammates, including my friend Dillon Dingler, who is also a receiver.
In the case of Dingler, he represents a good hope for the Tigers, he who had been drafted in the second round (38th overall) in 2020. The latter is also playing at the AA level, with the Erie Seawolves, this season.
As for Brookman, his short-term future will no doubt be in Florida, first in the rookie league, then possibly with the Lakeland Flying Tigers, at the A-low level.
In 2022, in a Buckeyes uniform, the Quebecer had managed to maintain a batting average of .299 in 42 games. First known for his defensive role and his ability to direct pitchers, he notably hit 10 doubles and two home runs.
