Michael Oliveto, a prolific multi-positional talent from Hauppauge High School in New York, was selected 34th overall in the 2025 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers. Towering at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, the left-handed slugging catcher boasts physical strength and a swing that’s garnered attention at major showcase events, including a breakout appearance at the WWBA World Championship.
Scouts and analysts have praised his frame and raw power, noting that his skillset keeps ascending as he matures physically. “Nobody was on him until the fall,” ESPN analyst Kiley McDaniel said. “He went to an event in Jupiter, hit against a bunch of good pitching. Immediately, all the SEC and ACC teams line up.”
Yet, Oliveto is equally notable for his IQ both on the field and in life. A committed student, he achieved a 1460 SAT score and astonishing grades–a weighted GPA of 102 on a 100 scale–leading to his commitment to Yale University. Although college was once a primary path, his draft status offered a crossroads between Ivy League academics and pursuing his longtime dream of playing Major League Baseball.
Heart and Character
Oliveto’s resume extends well beyond bat speed and batting averages. He’s a true community leader, devoting 12 springs to shaving his head as part of fundraising drives for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, aiding childhood cancer research. This year, he switched tactics–coordinating raffles with local businesses at his high school games, raising money and awareness without shaving his hair. As he put it:
“I’ve had some people who have had cancer that are close to me, and it’s just really cool to be able to be a part of something like that.”
This level of empathy and activism reveals a level-headed young man well aware of his privilege and platform–traits that should bode well as he grows within a professional organization.
“For 12 years, I shaved my head and got donations from people in the community,” Oliveto said. “I’d shave my head in March around St. Patrick’s Day. Did that for 12 years.
“This year, I didn’t, but I did raise money through raffles and stuff. I set it up through my school ball team. We would have people come to the games and buy raffle tickets. We got local businesses to donate gift cards and stuff. Every home game we picked out a raffle winner, and the rest of the money we donated to St. Baldrick’s.”
Draft-Day & Signing Details
The Tigers wasted no time after drafting Oliveto with the 34th pick, quickly inking him to a rookie contract worth approximately $2.45 million, slightly under slot, though some local outlets report up to a $2.8 million bonus. His commitment to Detroit is clear, with plans to begin his pro journey in Single-A Lakeland, Florida.
Detroit’s signing strategy fits their organizational model: they value top amateur talent with high ceilings, and Oliveto fits that mold. In a farm system rich with infielder-catcher depth such as Josue Briceño and Thayron Liranzo, he may shift around the diamond depending on his development, but his bat is expected to remain central to his profile.
“I was kind of late to the game with the recruitment part and everything like that,” Oliveto said, “but I got the opportunity to commit to Yale, and I was very, very happy with that. And I’m very proud of that, because I have worked very hard in school my whole life to really get to a point where I could go to a school like that. But playing baseball has always been my dream, to be in MLB.”
Scouting Report and Future Outlook
Oliveto enters the Tigers’ farm system with a combination of physical tools and intangibles that set him apart from many of his peers. One of his most notable strengths is his power at the plate. Scouts across the league have consistently praised his ability to drive the ball out of the park, noting his above-average raw power potential.
This trait fits particularly well within a Detroit system that emphasizes home-run production from traditionally defense-first positions like catcher. His swing generates natural loft, and his strong lower half allows him to barrel balls with authority–signs that his offensive upside could be substantial with the right development.
Equally impressive is his athletic build and flexibility on the field. Oliveto has a frame that combines size with fluidity. He moves well for a catcher and has shown the ability to handle multiple positions, including infield and outfield duties when needed. This versatility could be vital to his long-term trajectory, especially if his defensive profile behind the plate doesn’t develop as projected. His athleticism allows coaches options and gives the organization flexibility in managing his growth.
Beyond the stat sheet, Oliveto brings intangibles that are increasingly valued in modern baseball. His academic track record speaks to a sharp mind and disciplined work ethic. Just as impressive is his character. His community involvement (particularly raising funds for childhood cancer research) shows maturity and empathy that extend well beyond the diamond. The Tigers clearly saw more than just a bat when they selected him; they saw a clubhouse presence in the making.
“I would applaud the job that the staff did since identifying him in Jupiter last fall and getting to know him so well,” Tigers assistant general manager Rob Metzler said. “Makeup is crucial in every position on the field, but certainly I think his intelligence, his makeup is going to help him in particular as a catching prospect who’s going to be responsible both for progressing offensively but also for working with a pitching staff and all the responsibility that the position entails.
As with any young prospect, Oliveto will face areas in need of improvement. While his power bat is enticing, his catching skills are still developing. There have been questions about his consistency in catch-and-throw situations. His footwork and receiving are areas where refinement is needed, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll stick behind the plate long term or eventually transition to a different defensive role. His positional future may hinge on his ability to polish these fundamentals.
At the plate, while his power is a clear asset, his approach still needs maturing. Facing more advanced pitching in the minors, Oliveto will need to improve his pitch recognition and strike-zone discipline. Raw power alone won’t carry him through the upper levels unless he develops a more consistent swing path and learns to manage counts effectively. If he can make those adjustments, though, the offensive ceiling remains high, and his trajectory through the minors could be swift.
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