The Baltimore Orioles are likely to select one of these 3 players with the no. 1 pick in tonight’s MLB draft
The MLB draft doesn't get nearly as much attention as its counterparts in the NBA and the NFL. It's even more unpredictable than the other two sports, which are pretty unpredictable to begin with. That said, here's a look at three potential players who could get their name called on Monday night, when the Baltimore Orioles, coming off a 47-115 season in 2018, make the first overall selection. While a surprise can never be counted out, these guys have received the most buzz.
Adley Rutschman — Oregon State's star catcher is regarded as the best draft prospect since Bryce Harper in 2010. He's an elite defensive catcher with good plate discipline and plenty of home run power, but his talent can pretty much be boiled down to one moment. On Friday, in a regional game in the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship, Rutschman came to the plate with the bases loaded and was ... intentionally walked. That's the type of respect usually reserved for legendary hitters like Barry Bonds.
Rutschman is expected to be the number one pick, but there are a few reasons why the Orioles might choose to pass on the Pac-12 Conference Baseball Player of the Year.
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Bobby Witt, Jr. — Witt is a five-tool, high school shortstop who has baseball bloodlines — his father, Bobby Witt, pitched in the majors for 16 years and his uncle, Doug Witt, is — perhaps not ironically — a scout for the Orioles.
Andrew Vaughn — The first baseman for the University of California, Berkeley, is reportedly the most polished hitter in the draft class, though the fact that he plays a non-premium defensive position has some analysts skeptical that he's the right choice at no. 1. Still, his skillset in the batter's box would be tantalizing for any team.
