Successful Drafts by the Orioles
The Orioles have experienced remarkable success in their Draft history. Their standout year was 1978, when they selected Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. in the second round, along with 134-game winner Mike Boddicker in the sixth round.
Notable Draft Picks
Other notable Draft successes include Baltimore’s acquisition of Don Baylor and Bobby Grich with their first two picks in 1967, Hall of Famer Eddie Murray and Mike Flanagan in 1973, Pete Harnisch, Steve Finley, and David Segui in 1987, and the legendary Mike Mussina in 1990. Additionally, the 2019 Draft yielded promising talents like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Kyle Stowers, and Joey Ortiz in the first four rounds.
Outlook for the 2025 Draft
It will take several years to assess the true impact of the 2025 Draft, and it’s too early to predict if the 25 prospects chosen by the Orioles will match the success of previous years. However, it’s clear that before any of the 615 players drafted by the 30 teams start their professional journeys, Baltimore’s selections appear particularly strong.
Strategic Position in the Draft
This isn’t entirely unexpected, given that the Orioles had four picks among the top 37 selections, along with an unprecedented $19,144,500 bonus pool. Each of their top four choices exceeded expectations in terms of selection duration, enhancing their overall haul.
Top Teams in This Year’s Draft
Here are the five teams that excelled in accumulating talent during this year’s Draft:
1. Orioles
With four selections before the second round, Baltimore secured arguably the best all-around college hitter in Ike Irish (Auburn outfielder/catcher), the consensus top catcher Caden Bodine (Coastal Carolina), the Golden Spikes Award winner Wehiwa Aloy (Arkansas shortstop), and the premier prep outfielder Slater de Brun. The Orioles led all teams by selecting six Top 100 prospects on MLB Pipeline’s Draft Top 250.
2. Pirates
For the second consecutive Draft, Pittsburgh landed the most talented player despite not having a top-five pick. After picking Konnor Griffin at No. 9 last year, they notably selected Seth Hernandez at No. 6, adding more polished prep right-hander Angel Cervantes in the second round.
3. Rays
The Rays, even after trading the 37th overall pick, managed five selections in the first three rounds, focusing on high school position players like shortstop Daniel Pierce. They also drafted outfielder Dean Moss and catcher Taitn Gray, showcasing a strong eye for teenage talent.
4. Rockies
Colorado’s No. 4 pick, prep shortstop Ethan Holliday, was a coveted selection, while Southern Mississippi right-hander JB Middleton, Texas outfielder Max Belyeu, and others added to a solid draft class focused on offensive potential.
5. Red Sox
Boston excelled at gathering pitching talent, landing the best college right-hander Kyson Witherspoon at No. 15. Coupled with two additional top college righties, they piled on talent that can reach impressive speeds.
Best Draft Without Extra Picks: Nationals
The Nationals surprised many with their selection of prep shortstop Eli Willits at No. 1 overall, who has the potential to be a top player. They also secured flame-throwing prospect Landon Harmon in the third round, reminiscent of past successful picks.
