The Baltimore Orioles have drafted Slade Cecconi before and may have the opportunity to do it again.
Last year’s draft, the first for general manager Mike Elias with the Orioles, saw Baltimore use their first eight selections on middle infielders, center fielders, and catchers before taking their first pitcher in College of Charleston’s Griffin McLarty.
The Orioles could very well continue to add college bats with the 30th and 39th overall picks, but let’s assume it’s pitching they are after.
University of Miami’s Slade Cecconi may be a reach here, but his signability may lead to him falling a few spots into the Orioles lap. Baltimore originally drafted Cecconi in the 38th round of the 2018 draft, but there was no way for the Orioles to sign the Miami-commit who was looking for a signing bonus north of $1 million.
Cecconi is a draft-eligible sophomore with a powerful fastball that can reach into the upper-90’s. Standing at 6’4” and 212 pounds, Cecconi could again be a tough sign, but the Orioles have more money to play with than anyone else in the draft and need to be aggressive about adding quality talent to the farm system.
Also armed with an impressive slider and changeup, Cecconi struck out 119 hitters while allowing just 25 walks in his 101 innings of work at Miami. He was also effective at keeping the ball in the yard, giving up eight home runs over that span.
Scouts believe there is some reliever risk with Cecconi after seeing his velocity dip later in his outings, but his big frame, powerful fastball, and impressive tools make him one of the more talented pitchers in this year’s draft.
A common thread among the group of pitchers drafted by Elias last season were the high strikeout/low walk totals in college. Many of these arms continued that trend in their first taste of pro ball last season. Cecconi would be a prime addition to this group as the Orioles look to stockpile additional rotation-caliber arms behind top prospects Grayson Rodriguez and DL Hall.