Orioles Select Elite Prep Outfielder Eric Booth Jr. with No. 7 Overall Pick in 2026 MLB Draft

By Brian Hradsky | Maryland Sports Blog

The Baltimore Orioles have added one of the most dynamic athletes in the 2026 MLB Draft.

With the No. 7 overall pick, Baltimore selected Eric Booth Jr., a center fielder from Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, giving the organization another premium up-the-middle talent with star-level athleticism and enormous upside. Booth was widely regarded as one of the top high school prospects in the country and entered the draft ranked among the top six prospects by MLB Pipeline.

The selection continues Baltimore’s tradition of targeting elite athletes with premium defensive value. Booth is committed to Vanderbilt, but as the seventh overall pick, he is widely expected to begin his professional career after agreeing to terms with the Orioles.

One of the Best Athletes in the Draft

Booth checks nearly every box scouts look for in a modern center fielder.

At 6-foot, 205 pounds, the left-handed hitter combines explosive speed, surprising raw power, outstanding instincts, and the defensive ability to remain in center field long term. MLB Pipeline ranks his speed among the very best in the draft class, while Perfect Game timed him as fast as 6.27 seconds in the 60-yard dash, elite territory for any baseball prospect.

Scouting grades include:

• Hit: 55
• Power: 55
• Run: 70
• Field: 55
• Arm: 50

Booth also won the Perfect Game All-American Classic Home Run Derby, showing that his power continues to develop despite speed being his most recognizable tool.

Offensive Ceiling

Although Booth is known first for his athleticism, scouts believe his offensive game could become special.

He uses an unconventional swing that has produced consistent contact throughout his amateur career while flashing increasing home run power. Some evaluators believe mechanical adjustments could unlock even more offensive production as he matures physically.

Many project Booth as a future:

• Top-of-the-order catalyst
• Gold Glove-caliber center fielder
• 20-plus home run hitter
• 30-plus stolen base threat

If everything develops, he has legitimate All-Star potential.

Elite Defensive Potential

Defense may ultimately be Booth’s quickest path through Baltimore’s farm system.

His first-step quickness, closing speed, and instincts allow him to cover huge amounts of ground in center field. Combined with improving arm strength, scouts believe he projects as an above-average Major League defender for years.

Strong Athletic Background

Athleticism runs in the family.

Booth’s father, Eric Booth Sr., was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1993 and also played college football at Southern Miss, giving the Orioles’ newest first-round pick strong baseball and athletic bloodlines.

Why the Orioles Loved This Pick

Baltimore’s player development system has consistently prioritized athletic position players capable of playing premium defensive positions.

Booth fits that mold perfectly.

His combination of speed, defensive ability, baseball instincts, and offensive upside gives the Orioles another high-ceiling prospect who could eventually patrol center field at Camden Yards.

While Booth may require patience as he adjusts to professional pitching, many evaluators considered him one of the highest-upside players available when Baltimore came on the clock.

MSB Take

This is exactly the kind of swing the Orioles needed to take.

After several years of building one of baseball’s deepest farm systems, Baltimore added another elite athlete with true five-tool potential. Booth isn’t simply a safe pick—he’s a player who could become one of the faces of the franchise if his bat reaches its ceiling.

The Orioles have drafted a center fielder with game-changing speed, developing power, outstanding defensive instincts, and the makeup to become an impact Major League player. If Baltimore’s player development staff helps refine his swing, Eric Booth Jr. has every opportunity to become the next star to emerge from the Orioles’ pipeline.