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Baltimore Orioles need to own the rest of the 2020 MLB Draft

ByDavid Hill|
Omaha, NE - JUNE 27: Outfielder Heston Kjerstad #18 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs in to make a catch in the second inning against the Oregon State Beavers during game two of the College World Series Championship Series on June 27, 2018 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
Omaha, NE - JUNE 27: Outfielder Heston Kjerstad #18 of the Arkansas Razorbacks runs in to make a catch in the second inning against the Oregon State Beavers during game two of the College World Series Championship Series on June 27, 2018 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)

The Baltimore Orioles had a chance to take one of the top three players in the draft. Instead, they decided to save money.

According to consensus, the Baltimore Orioles were in prime position to land of the three best players in the 2020 MLB Draft. While it was known that Spencer Torkelson would be the first overall pick, the Orioles had a chance to select either the top pitcher in Asa Lacy, or the second best hitting prospect in Austin Martin.

Instead, the Orioles opted to save money, drafting Heston Kjerstad from the University of Arkansas. It was not a completely out of left field selection, as Kjerstad was considered to be the tenth overall prospect in the draft, but it was still very unexpected.

Kjerstad is a solid prospect in his own right. He has above average power to all fields, with only Torkelson considered to have more raw power. Kjerstad also has a strong arm, making him a natural for right field. However, his swing mechanics need a lot of work, as he has a complicated setup that requires exact timing for him to make contact.

But this pick is not about what Kjerstad could become. Instead, it is a matter of the Orioles looking to save money where they can, including in the draft. By taking Kjerstad, instead of a top pitching prospect or a player like Martin, they should be able to ink the second overall selection for an underslot deal.

In theory, this maneuver could work out. The Orioles could then go after some of the more risky prep players with strong commitments to college, hoping to entice them to turn professional with a higher signing bonus. That type of play happens frequently in the MLB Draft, but that is with the typical 40 rounds.

Instead, the Orioles have five rounds to make their picks. While the system is not nearly the disaster it had been in the past, it is still devoid of high end talent beyond Adley Rutschman and Grayson Rodriguez. The Orioles absolutely need to hit on the rest of their picks.

Otherwise, the 2020 MLB Draft will be remembered for what could have been. The Baltimore Orioles cannot afford for that to happen.

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