In the MLB Draft, the front office of the Baltimore Orioles had an unprecedented number of top picks.
The Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft is one of the most pivotal moments in a franchise’s journey, offering an opportunity to build a foundation for future success. For the Baltimore Orioles, the 2024 MLB Draft represented an unprecedented opportunity to reshape the future of their franchise, as they entered the draft with a wealth of top picks, a rarity in recent MLB history. With several high-round selections at their disposal, the Orioles were in an enviable position to bolster their already promising roster and create a pipeline of talent for years to come.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the Orioles’ front office’s approach to the draft, the significance of having an extraordinary number of top picks, and how their decisions could impact the franchise’s trajectory over the next several years. By evaluating their draft strategy, the players they selected, and the overall outlook for the team’s future, we can better understand how the 2024 MLB Draft will influence the Orioles’ efforts to return to prominence.
The Unprecedented Number of Top Picks: A Rare Opportunity
The 2024 MLB Draft marked a rare moment in franchise history for the Baltimore Orioles, as they had an abundance of top picks at their disposal. The MLB Draft, which features 20 rounds, is often a balancing act of teams looking to strengthen specific positions, fill organizational gaps, or add high-ceiling talent to their roster. What made the Orioles’ draft position so unique was not only the sheer number of top picks but the overall potential of these selections to immediately impact the team’s rebuild and long-term success.
The Orioles, who have been in a rebuilding phase for several years, found themselves positioned to make major moves in the draft. They had acquired high picks thanks to a combination of their consistent struggles in the standings, astute front-office decisions, and trades that positioned them for future success. Their top picks in the 2024 Draft allowed the Orioles to target high-caliber prospects—players with the ability to contribute in the near future and be cornerstones of the team’s future roster.
Having multiple top picks was particularly significant given the depth of talent in the 2024 draft class, which was filled with outstanding college and high school players. The Orioles were not simply looking to fill roster holes; they had the opportunity to select from a pool of some of the best and brightest young prospects in the country, giving them the ability to accelerate their rebuilding efforts in a meaningful way.
The Orioles’ Front Office Strategy: A Calculated Approach
As the 2024 MLB Draft approached, the Orioles’ front office—led by general manager Mike Elias—had a clear and well-defined strategy in mind. Elias, who took over as the Orioles’ GM in 2018, is known for his data-driven approach and commitment to rebuilding the franchise into a competitive force. This approach has been centered around player development, scouting, and the strategic acquisition of talent at all levels of the organization.
The key to the Orioles’ success in the 2024 Draft would be balancing the immediate need for talent with the long-term vision for the team. As a team that had struggled for several years, the Orioles needed players who could make an impact quickly while still considering the development timelines of younger prospects. This required a mix of safe, high-floor prospects and high-risk, high-reward players with immense upside potential.
The Orioles also made it clear that they would continue to prioritize their farm system—already one of the top-ranked systems in baseball—in order to continue to build depth throughout the organization. By adding top-tier talent through the draft, the Orioles would not only be enhancing their major league roster but also reinforcing their depth at multiple positions across their minor league affiliates. With this balanced strategy, the Orioles were set to maximize the value of every pick they had in the 2024 Draft.
Drafting for the Future: The Orioles’ Top Picks
When it came time for the Orioles to make their selections in the 2024 MLB Draft, they had several crucial decisions to make. With multiple high-round picks, they had the opportunity to target elite prospects who could potentially contribute to the team in the near future. Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable selections made by the Orioles during the draft.
1. First Overall Pick: Jackson Holliday – Shortstop (High School)
With the first overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, the Orioles selected Jackson Holliday, a highly touted shortstop from Stillwater, Oklahoma. Holliday is widely considered one of the top prospects in the draft class, and his selection at No. 1 overall was seen as a no-brainer for the Orioles. As the son of former MLB player Matt Holliday, Jackson comes from a baseball family and has been groomed for this moment his entire life.
Holliday is regarded for his advanced hitting ability, impressive defensive skills, and baseball IQ. He possesses a smooth swing, quick hands, and a patient approach at the plate. Defensively, Holliday is expected to stick at shortstop, though his versatility could allow him to play multiple positions as he matures in the minors. His potential to develop into an all-star-caliber player gives the Orioles a cornerstone player who could anchor the team’s infield for years to come.
With Holliday, the Orioles not only secured a highly gifted player but also added a leader to their organization. His pedigree, coupled with his remarkable talent, made him a perfect fit for the Orioles’ long-term vision.
2. Third Overall Pick: Carter Young – Shortstop (College)
In addition to the first overall pick, the Orioles also had the third overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, which they used to select Carter Young, another shortstop, this time from Vanderbilt University. Young is widely considered one of the most advanced college hitters in the draft class, boasting exceptional power and plate discipline. He has a reputation as a dynamic, switch-hitting prospect who excels both offensively and defensively.
Although Young’s future with the Orioles may not be at shortstop, as Holliday figures to be the team’s long-term option at the position, the Orioles can expect him to provide positional flexibility and potentially contribute in a variety of roles. Young’s polished approach at the plate, combined with his strong defense, made him an ideal selection at No. 3 overall. Like Holliday, Young has the potential to make an impact at the major league level in the near future.
By selecting both Holliday and Young with their top picks, the Orioles essentially secured two highly talented shortstops, and although both players may not end up at the same position, the addition of two high-caliber infielders gives the team incredible flexibility and depth.
3. Sixth Overall Pick: Dominic Keegan – Catcher (College)
To round out their first-round selections, the Orioles used their sixth overall pick to select Dominic Keegan, a catcher from the University of Vanderbilt. Keegan’s selection brought immediate excitement to Orioles fans, as the team had been in need of a top-tier catching prospect for several years. Keegan is known for his excellent offensive potential, particularly his ability to hit for power, and his strong defensive capabilities behind the plate.
While some may have expected the Orioles to target a pitcher with their sixth overall pick, Keegan’s all-around talent and ability to fit into a position of need made him the right choice. As the MLB continues to emphasize the importance of catcher defense and game management, Keegan’s skill set gives the Orioles a potential future backstop who could contribute both offensively and defensively for years to come.
4. Additional Picks and Strategy
In addition to their first-round selections, the Orioles continued to make strategic picks that reflected their commitment to depth and talent acquisition. Their later-round selections included a mix of high-risk, high-reward players, including pitchers with strong fastballs, outfielders with great speed, and middle infielders with advanced plate discipline. By targeting high-ceiling prospects at multiple positions, the Orioles were able to add even more depth to their farm system and reinforce areas of need across the roster.
The Orioles’ front office also made an effort to balance their selections with a mix of college and high school talent. College players tend to be more polished and closer to making an impact at the major league level, while high school players offer more upside and potential. This combination allowed the Orioles to fill immediate needs while also securing long-term development options.
The Impact on the Orioles’ Future
The success of the Orioles’ 2024 MLB Draft cannot be overstated. By landing a wealth of top prospects, the team has positioned itself to compete at a higher level in the coming years. The additions of Jackson Holliday, Carter Young, and Dominic Keegan, among others, inject immediate talent and depth into the Orioles’ pipeline, making it one of the most exciting collections of young talent in all of Major League Baseball.
These top picks are not only vital for the future of the Orioles but also serve as a symbol of the franchise’s commitment to building a competitive team from within. With their impressive draft haul, the Orioles are setting the stage for sustained success, and fans can now envision a future where the team contends for championships once again.
