Luck of the Draw: Orioles to pick 22nd in the 2024 MLB Draft
The MLB released the 2024 Draft Lottery odds last night. The Oakland Athletics, Kansas City Royals, and Colorado Rockies all had the highest probability of earning the number one pick in the draft at 18.3%. The Chicago White Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Guardians, and Detroit Tigers rounded out the top 10.
The Cleveland Guardians claimed the number one pick in the draft. This is the first time in franchise history they will have that pick coming off a 76-win season in 2023. The Oakland Athletics have the number four overall pick despite having the worst record in baseball (50-112).
The Baltimore Orioles have the number 22 pick in the draft. This is the lowest the team has picked since the 2016 draft. The O’s drafted RHP Cody Sedlock out of Illinois that year. Baltimore will have picks 22, 32 and 34 in the upcoming draft.
The narrative of developing talent through the draft has changed. The team is no longer looking to rebuild, they’re ready to compete. Previous draft picks Coby Mayo and Jud Fabian have been in trade talks recently. The focus has now shifted from drafting young talent to trading that talent for starting pitching.
Dylan Cease has been a name the Orioles have been close with this offseason. General manager Mike Elias said the team has also talked to Eduardo Rodriguez, Jordan Hicks, and Aroldis Chapman.
It’ll be interesting to see where the team goes when the draft comes in July but remember O’s fans: our time is now.
