Baltimore Orioles eyeing college pitchers at top of draft

The Baltimore Orioles hold the second overall pick. According to reports, they are targeting collegiate pitching with that pick.

One of the benefits of being utterly dreadful at the major league level is that a team gets to pick at the top of the draft. Franchises like the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals have parlayed that initial lack of success into building championship teams, getting boosts from being able to draft franchise altering talent. This is the path that the Baltimore Orioles are hoping to follow.

After stumbling to a 54-108 record in 2019, the Orioles find themselves with the second pick of the 2020 MLB Draft. They may already have a course of action lined up for that pick, as they are reportedly considering taking a collegiate pitcher with that pick.

In theory, the Orioles should have their pick of whatever pitcher they want. Barring any disasters in the coming season, slugging first baseman/outfielder Spencer Torkelson is likely to be the top overall pick, giving Baltimore the first chance at any of those college arms.

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According to a mock draft on MLB.com, six pitchers are expected to go within the top ten picks. Although they have the Orioles selecting Torkelson, it is easier to envision that a pitcher like Emerson Hancock ends up as their top selection. With his four pitch mix, three of which are considered plus offerings, he could give the Orioles a possible top of the rotation starter, something that they are really lacking in their farm system.

A pitcher such as Hancock would give Baltimore a solid framework to build with. Adley Rutschman, the top overall selection in the 2019 MLB Draft, has lived up to his hype thus far. If the Orioles can land that top of the rotation arm they need, the rebuild could accelerate.

While any prospect comes with risk, picking at the top of the draft does tend to lead to more success. If nothing else, it gives the fanbase the type of player that they can dream of, an immediate top prospect that can help lead the team to a brighter future.

For the Baltimore Orioles, that beacon of hope may stand upon the pitcher’s mound, as they are looking at the top collegiate pitchers in the upcoming MLB Draft.