Baltimore Orioles: Mike Elias Says Orioles Won’t Make Draft Decision Until Monday

Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias is keeping fans in the dark when talking about the first overall pick.

The Baltimore Orioles are just three days away from making a potential franchise-changing decision.

For only the second time in team history and first since 1989 the O’s hold the top overall selection in next weeks’ MLB Draft.

Though almost nearly every MLB Mock-Draft has the O’s selecting Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman general manager Mike Elias pumped the breaks on that prediction.

When meeting with the media at Camden Yards, prior to tonight’s Baltimore Orioles game with the San Francisco Giants Elias said the O’s still were considering four players with their top pick. In addition, the Birds general manager added that he doesn’t expect the team to make a decision until the day of the draft.

In an offensive heavy draft, it’s safe to assume the four options all are bats. My best guess at the four possibilities Elias was eluding to are Rutschman, high school shortstop Bobby Witt Jr, first basemen Andrew Vaughn from Cal and Vanderbilt outfielder JJ Bleday.

Though Rutschman on paper appears to be the best player in the draft one can make the argument that the first overall selection should not be used on a catcher since they do not play every game like other position players.

Thus, if the Orioles feel they are best off taking a player that can potentially provide them with 150 or more games a year they’d be wise to take Whitt Jr. or one of the other offensive players.

For now, all anyone can do is speculate. Elias and the Baltimore Orioles are keeping their lips sealed as they prepare to make the most important decision in the team’s recent history.

What will the O’s do? Give us your best guess in the comment section.