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Grading Orioles GM Mike Elias's last 5 first-round draft picks

Mike Elias is heading into his 6th MLB Draft with the Orioles. Here's how he's done with his previous 5 first round picks.

ByAbigail Miskowiec|
Jul 18, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias on field prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles general manager Mike Elias on field prior to the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports | Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
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2020 - Heston Kjerstad (No. 2) - B+

Elias’s preference for college bats became clear with this pick. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 draft was truncated, and the loss of the final months of high school and college baseball made evaluation difficult.

As a result, Kjerstad was a bit of a gamble. He ranked closer to No. 10 in most prospect rankings. Given the state of Baltimore’s pitching staff, this pick could have been spent on the bevy of college pitchers available in this draft, among them Garrett Crochet.

After missing the 2021 season with myocarditis, Kjerstad has done nothing but rake. The trouble here is a crowded outfield. Kjerstad could be the internal option for the slumping Cedric Mullins, but Baltimore may gain more from this draft pick by swapping him for a known entity.

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