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.
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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2022 - Jackson Holliday (No. 1) - A

Elias understandably broke his streak of college bats in a prep-heavy draft. Two sons of former stars vied for the top slot, and considering the Orioles’ glut of young outfielders, Holliday got the nod over Druw Jones, son of Andruw Jones. Four of the top five picks went to high school position players, and so far, Holliday seems like the best of the bunch. He has already made his Major League debut while the rest are at the High-A or Single-A level.

Holliday’s Major League experience, though, did not go to plan, and he missed some time with elbow inflammation. Since returning from injury, Holliday has been limited to a DH role, where he has continued to show advanced plate discipline. In his 11 games back in the lineup at Triple-A, he has 15 walks against 11 strikeouts and a .962 OPS. Despite Holliday’s difficult taste of the Majors in April, Elias clearly sees Holliday as a big part of the franchise’s future.

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