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Playing in a division like the American League East, the Baltimore Orioles know just how important it is to have a solid farm system. They have to draft sure-fire players in order for them to keep up.
They have had good luck in the past with their first-round picks, like Jackson Holliday, Colton Cowser, and Adley Rustchman. And this year, they hold their best draft pick since taking Jackson Holliday No. 1 overall in 2022, as they were awarded the No. 7 pick in this year's draft.
There will be some elite talent to choose from with this pick. The question is, do they go after a high school player or a college player, and what position?
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Orioles linked to Georgia Tech's slugging outfielder with pick No. 7
Some of the obvious names will be gone when the orioles hit the clock, like UCLA's Roch Cholowsky and Georgia Tech's Vahn Lackey, but he's not the only Yellow Jackets' player that is expected to be taken early.
Drew Burress has been on a tear over the last three seasons in college. He has immense power, especially for his size, and is a player that Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter would love to see taken by Baltimore.
"In 179 games over the last three seasons at Georgia Tech, Burress has hit .357/.484/.720 with 60 home runs, 189 RBI and more walks than strikeouts. He has significantly more power than his 5'9", 185-pound frame suggests, and should be a clean ft in center field at the next level. All of that has helped elevate him to the top of the college outfielder demographic."
Unlike some center fielders in the class, Burress is expected to stick in center field after the draft. He has the speed and the arm strength to do so.
Offensively, he has a quick and compact swing from the right side that plays to all sides of the field. He also shows a disciplined approach and could be a great addition for the Orioles.
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