How he arrived: Drafted by the Orioles, fourth round (108th overall) in 2019, contract selected 11/15/22
It’s possible that the Orioles’ 2019 draft ends up the most impactful in team history. The class has already produced a franchise cornerstone in first-round pick Adley Rutschman. There’s a good chance that second-rounder Gunnar Henderson ascends to a similar level in 2023. Not to mention, competitive balance pick Kyle Stowers has made his big league debut, and should compete for an everyday role in the spring. The expected promotion of Joey Ortiz would be the cherry on top.
Ortiz, a New Mexico State product, entered professional baseball with a reputation as a glove-first prospect that could simply hold his own at the plate.