Orioles continue their quest to replace Cedric Mullins, using their first two picks on center fielders

The Baltimore Orioles had the good fortune of having their centerfield position covered almost exclusively by Adam Jones and Cedric Mullins from 2008 to 2025. Centerfield is a difficult position so having two players combine for almost 20 years of great defense and top of the batting order production at that position meant a great deal to the Orioles. As Mullins' time with the Orioles came to a close, it was clear the Orioles did not intend to retain him long term. Even before Mullins was off the team, the Orioles began drafting potential replacements at the centerfield position. Now Mullins is a Ray, and those picks have not really worked out for the Orioles, leaving them still searching for their next center fielder.

Today, the Orioles used both their first-round and second-round picks to take potential Centerfielders. Their first-round pick was high schooler Eric Booth Jr., who has some of the most exciting tools in the draft and, according to some draft experts, might be the best defensive center fielder in the entire draft class. Booth Jr. is an exciting pick, and his tools make it possible to dream on what he could become, but as a player who just turned 18 last week, he obviously has a long way to go before he'll be major league ready. Orioles fans can hope to see him arrive in Baltimore sometime in 2028, but most likely he'll debut in 2029. No matter how excited you are to see Booth Jr. be an Orioles, that feels like a ways away.

Ty Head could race to the big leagues if the Orioles can develop him

The Orioles' second-round pick could be up much sooner. With the 46th pick in this year's draft, the Orioles selected NC State center fielder Ty Head. Head is a 21-year-old draft-eligible sophomore and is a few years further along in his development than Booth Jr. Head is a contact-over-power hitter at the plate, and his ability to put the bat on the ball should make the lower minors a breeze for the Orioles' second-round pick. What is lacking is the power.

It is interesting to see the Orioles, who for years targeted guys who hit the ball hard but struggled to make contact, shift their draft approach towards prospects with solid hit tools but need to add power. It's likely a result of the Orioles having success getting their prospects to the big leagues but seeing them struggle to hit for average once they're there.

Not that Head is anywhere near ready for the big leagues, but if the Orioles can unlock some power in his swing, his ability to put bat on a ball and play defense will give him a high floor that could make him a quick riser. If he can't add power, there's not much Head offers that some of the Orioles' other outfield prospects don't already, so this is a bit of a bet on the Orioles' ability to develop power.

Between Booth Jr. and Head, the Orioles are giving themselves a decent shot at one day stabilizing their centerfield position. Currently, they have Colton Cowser there, but they don't seem to want to play him every day, and as good as Cowser is in center, his talents would be much more impactful in left field. If the Orioles could find someone who can really play center, they could push Cowser to his natural position and suddenly have a very good defensive outfield, something that's been a sore spot of late.

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