2018 MLB Draft: Baltimore Orioles select Grayson Rodriguez with 11th overall pick

With the XX pick in the 2018 draft, the Baltimore Orioles selected prep right-handed pitcher Grayson Rodriguez from Central Heights High School in Texas. In recent mock drafts, Rodriguez was projected to go 13th by Keith Law and 31st by Baseball America.

Rodriguez has risen up draft boards this spring as a potential innings eating starter. Rodriguez brings the 6’5”, 230 pound frame capable of working 200 innings a year to go with stuff, athleticism, and the ability to throw strikes. Rodriguez has a borderline double plus fastball capable of hitting 98 MPH. The pitch usually sits in the low to mid 90s with very heavy life. His slider is a second above average pitch, and the curve and change could both be at least average in time.

Rodriguez is committed to home state Texas A&M. Despite not having the upside of some of the other first round prep arms, Rodriguez has the frame and four pitch mix that teams covet and he throws his offerings for strikes. A 200 inning middle of the rotation starter is a valuable commodity.