The Detroit Tigers used the first overall pick on Auburn right-hander Casey Mize.
It was the second time the Tigers held the No. 1 pick and the first since they drafted Rice pitcher Matt Anderson in 1997.
"It means a ton," Mize told MLB Network. "I can't describe this feeling right now."
Mize is 10-5 with a 2.95 ERA, 151 strikeouts and 12 walks in 109 2/3 innings while helping the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament.
In a statement, Al Avila said the Tigers are confident that Mize "will become a pillar in our player development system that's going to bring winning baseball to Detroit for seasons to come."