Orioles select Rutschman with 1st overall pick of 2019 MLB draft

With the first pick in the 2019 MLB amateur draft, the Baltimore Orioles selected Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman.

Rutschman helped the Beavers to a College World Series title in 2018 during his sophomore season before leading all American hitters on the Collegiate National Team in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging. Rutschman set a record by collecting 17 hits in the College World Series to earn Most Outstanding Player honors. More recently, he was named the Pac-12 Conference Baseball Player of the Year.

Rutschman is the first catcher taken first overall since the Minnesota Twins selected Joe Mauer with the top pick in 2001.

The switch-hitting backstop was previously scouted in high school, but his commitment to Oregon State as a two-sport athlete caused him to fall to the 40th round of the 2016 draft. Known for his well-rounded game, Rutschman refined his approach at the collegiate level and is considered a plus hitter with plus defensive tools behind the plate.

Orioles general manager Mike Elias said he expects to sign Rutschman quickly, but the minor-league level where the prospect will start his professional career has yet to be determined, according to Rich Dubroff of BaltimoreBaseball.com.

Bio

Age: 21
Position: C
Height/Weight: 6-foot-2, 216 lbs
Bats/Throws: S/R
School: Oregon State
Pick value (No. 1): $8,415,300
MLB.com money quote: "With his all-around skills at a premium position while playing at the pinnacle of college baseball, Rutschman is sure to be in conversation for the top pick in the draft. The last time the Orioles took a switch-hitting college backstop with their first pick, Matt Wieters, it worked out pretty well."

2019 stats (as of June 3)