Auburn baseball: Davis Daniel’s return gives Tigers another reason to think big in 2019

The Auburn baseball team is coming off one of its best seasons in school history and got some big news Tuesday.

Being selected in the Major League Baseball draft is a dream for many baseball players. Being selected twice is pretty incredible.

For Auburn pitcher Davis Daniel, seeing through what the Tigers built in 2018 is more important and he announced Tuesday that he’s returning for another season.

"“First, I would like to thank the Brewers for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dream and start my professional career. However, we have some unfinished business down in Auburn. I am extremely excited to get back to work and build on the historic run we made in 2018. I cannot thank Coach Thompson enough. He has not only been extremely supportive through this entire decision, but has also been an unbelievable leader on the field and in my life. I cannot wait to see where he is going to lead this program in the near future.“I would also like to thank my past, present and future Auburn teammates for the support through this decision. Lastly, to the amazing Auburn Family, you all have supported me through the ups and down the last two years. Thank you so much for that. Something special is coming in 2019, and I am excited to return and be a part of it all.”"

Daniel was drafted in the 11th round by Milwaukee last month and by the Cubs coming out of high school. You think coach Butch Thompson liked the news?

Auburn finished 43-23 this season and was one victory from reaching the College World Series. But top-ranked Florida beat the Tigers in the best-of-3 series.

Daniel was 3-4 last season with a 4.86 ERA, but stepped up in a huge way late in the season. In the Game 3 extra-inning loss to the Gators, he pitched 5.1 innings of scoreless relief, allowing just one hit while striking out six batters. In two seasons, Daniel is 7-7 with 131 strikeouts in 137 innings. He’s started 26 of the 36 games he’s pitched.

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He returns to a team that won the most games for an Auburn baseball team since 2010. Thompson’s team returns a lot of talent, too.

All-everything starting pitcher Casey Mize is gone after being selected first overall in the 2018 MLB Draft by Detroit, but the Tigers bring back Daniel, projected No. 1 starter Tanner Burns and reliever Cody Greenhill on the mound.

At the plate, Auburn returns shortstop Will Holland (.313, 12 home runs, 52 RBIs), outfielder Steven Williams (.291-12-51) and outfielder Edouard Julien (.275-17-69). Also, Auburn brings in a great recruiting class that includes four players who were drafted but instead decided to play for the Tigers.