Baltimore Orioles Select SS Ryan Mountcastle No. 36 Overall
By Joe Serpico
The Baltimore Orioles have selected high school shortstop Ryan Mountcastle with the 36th pick of the 2015 MLB Draft. The Orioles acquired the pick as compensation for the Seattle Mariners signing free agent outfielder Nelson Cruz. It was the final pick of the first round of the draft.
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Mountcastle is a 6-foot-3, 180-pound shortstop from Hagerty High School in Oviedo, Florida. He has committed to Central Florida so it remains to be seen whether he signs with the Orioles. Baseball America had Mountcastle ranked No. 122 on their top 500.
Here is Baseball America’s scouting report on the Orioles latest draftee:
"“Scouts coming into the Orlando area to see Brendan Rodgers don’t have to travel far to see another top high school infielder on the same trip. Mountcastle plays about 20 miles away from Rodgers and, while he doesn’t have the massive upside of the class’ top player, he is a solid prospect in his own right. Mountcastle stands out most for his hitting ability. His tremendous bat speed leads to elite exit velocity when he squares balls up, giving him above-average power. He has a loose swing and does a good job of making adjustments to make consistent contact. Defensively, Mountcastle isn’t as advanced. He plays shortstop in high school, but won’t stay there at the next level, whether that’s the minor leagues or Central Florida, where he’s committed for college. He’s played some third base in the past, but his below-average arm strength makes left field a more likely landing spot.”"
The ball club used its first pick at No. 25 on Florida State outfielder D.J. Stewart. The Orioles will make a another selection tonight in the second round with the 68th pick.