MLB Draft experts give Orioles mixed reviews for high variance picks

The Orioles made some solid picks in the draft this year, though at CBS Sports, those picks are drawing mixed reviews.

2024 MLB Draft Presented by Nike
2024 MLB Draft Presented by Nike / Richard Rodriguez/GettyImages

The Baltimore Orioles had a solid draft this year. They selected players such as outfielder Vance Honeycutt, shortstop Griff O'Ferrall, catcher/first baseman Ethan Anderson, and outfielder Austin Overn. Baltimore had the 22nd pick in the first round, and Honeycutt was their top selection this year.

By the looks of it, the Orioles made some pretty good picks and have loaded up on some young talent that could help them out in the near future. R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports gave the team a B in their draft selections, but he also had some mixed reviews about certain players the Orioles selected this year.

The boom-or-bust nature of the Orioles' top draft picks in 2024 has led to mixed reviews from talent evaluators

Honeycutt is likely the most interesting prospect the Orioles chose this year. Anderson was quite high on the first-round pick comparing him to previous draft picks such as Jud Fabian and Dylan Beavers, the Orioles No. 6 ranked prospect, but noting that he's "a better hit tool away from being a potential All-Star-caliber player."

The Orioles mostly drafted prospects from colleges and didn't take a pitcher until round four. Other prospects drafted by the team drew some mixed reviews from Anderson. Overn was somebody that he was very high on, praising him for being one of the fastest players in this year's draft class. However, Anderson noted that he needs to prove he can hit pro-level pitching and compared him to outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr, who is currently the team's No. 4 ranked prospect.

The key, as Anderson pointed out was for the Orioles' player development staff to maximize the potential of Overn. He has plenty of upside and could be an interesting piece that could help the team in a few short years.

Overall, it appears that the draft experts at CBS are pretty high on what the Orioles were able to accomplish this summer with their picks. The reviews were somewhat mixed, as there are certain areas where players such as Overn will need improve. But the Orioles seem to have done a fairly good job at finding talented players that could help the team in the future.

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