Bryce Rainer ’24, a standout shortstop standing 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, is headed to the Detroit Tigers after being selected 11th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft. This pick marks a notable moment for both Rainer and the baseball program, with the selection making him the fifth first round pick in the past 15. He follows in the footsteps of other alumni, most notably Max Fried ’12, Lucas Giolito ’12, Jack Flaherty ’14 and Pete Crow-Armstrong ’20.
In the 2024 Mission League season, Rainer hit .505 with four home runs throughout the 33-game season. As a two-way player, Rainer also pitched, closing many games for the Wolverines. He pitched 23 innings with 35 strikeouts, and posted a 1.83 ERA, one of the lowest in the Mission League. Rainer is viewed by scouts as an all-around player, which not only accounts for hitting and fielding but also his speed. He stole 17 bases in his senior year with a 94% success rate. MLB Network analysts said Rainer has a strong comparison to Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager due to his similar build and abilities.
Baseball Program Head Jared Halpert said being an important figure in Rainer’s development made the draft an emotional moment for him as a coach.
“Witnessing a person’s dreams come to life, let alone someone you care about, is one of the most precious moments anyone can have,” Halpert said.
Infielder Jack Laffitte ’25 said he was excited for Rainer and how he has further improved the reputation of the baseball program.
“It’s surreal to see a guy I played next to all year go so high in the MLB draft, like guys I grew up idolizing,” Laffitte said. “Bryce solidifies Harvard-Westlake as the Mecca of high school baseball, as himself and so many guys from Harvard-Westlake before him have gone in the first round.”
In Detroit, Rainer met the Tigers team and threw the ceremonial first pitch to former Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty ’14, who was drafted 34th after his senior year..
Aaron Escalante ’26 said he was in awe when he watched the monumental first pitch between both alumni.
“It was so cool to see him throw the first pitch out to Flaherty,” Escalante said. “Especially because he’s an alumni.”
Outfielder James Tronstein ’26 said he felt Rainer’s achievement was well-deserved because of his respectful character and strong development through the baseball program.
“Bryce getting drafted was a cool experience for me because it gave me an opportunity to be around someone who does things the right way,” Tronstein said. “For our program, this means a lot, because it’s a big deal in showing everyone that HW is a legit program for development and for becoming a better person as well.”
