Orioles projected to take Georgia Tech standout outfielder in first round

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May 8, 2026 - 20:53

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Orioles projected to take Georgia Tech standout outfielder in first round originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Baltimore Orioles have been a team that has focused on their draft picks over the years, with some good success. They have seen the importance of drafting players like Adley Rutschman, Colton Cowser, and Ryan Mountcastle, just to name a few.

However, they have been on the other side of this as well. Their first-round draft pick of 2018, Grayson Rodriguez, was a giant disaster, and now he plays for the Los Angeles Angels.

So, expect the front office to be thorough while checking in on some of these players on the big boards. The question is, does the front office feel more comfortable taking a position player or an arm?

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Orioles projected to take Georgia Tech standout outfielder in first round

Over the years, the front office has leaned toward taking a position player with their first-round selection. The last time they chose a pitcher was back in 2018 when they drafted Rodriguez.

So, many expect this trend to continue, where Baltimore takes a bat with their first pick. And Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter believes they will select Georgia Tech outfielder Drew Burress.

"Despite a 50-point drop in his slugging percentage, Burress remains arguably the most talented all-around outfielder in this year's deep college crop. A sure-fire future center fielder with 60-grade raw power, he is hitting .367/.481/.643 with 18 doubles, 10 home runs and 45 RBI in 47 games."

Burress is expected to stick in center field, unlike some of the other center fielders on the draft board. And despite his slugging percentage dropping this season, he is still one of the best bats in the entire class.

If the Orioles want someone who can play well in the outfield with a ton of raw power and the speed to steal an occasional bag, look no further than Burress.