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Orioles projected to take a chance on hard-hitting Virginia transfer in MLB Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Baltimore Orioles are a team that understands the value of a good first-round pick in the MLB Draft. Just look back at players like Ryan Mountcastle, Adley Rutschman, Colton Cowser, and Jackson Holliday.
They have also been on the opposite end here with their first-round picks, like Grayson Rodriguez, who didn't really pan out due to injuries and was traded to the Los Angeles Angels over the offseason.
So, expect the front office to do its homework and be as prepared as they can to pick seventh overall later this summer.
MORE: Watch Pete Alonso hit home run to the one Orioles fan at Camden Yards dressed as a polar bear
Orioles projected to take a chance on hard-hitting Virginia transfer in MLB Draft
Luckily for the Orioles, there will be some excellent talent to choose from when their team is on the clock. The question is, do they go the high school or college route?
Over the past five years, they have gone pretty heavy on college baseball players. And according to Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter, that won't change as he projects them to select Virginia outfielder AJ Garcia.
"Garcia has been a consistent offensive performer since his freshman season at Duke. After transferring to Virginia this past offseason, he is hitting .324/.475/.596 with 10 home runs, 33 RBI and a 17.9 percent walk rate in 37 games this spring. His value will come from what he does in the batter's box, but he looks like one of the more plug-and-play bats in the class."
Garcia's value comes from his bat, and when he is on, he is on. He delivers a solid swing from the left side with plenty of raw power to be explosive. He also has a great understanding of the strike zone, taking his walks when they come his way.
There are some questions about him sticking in center field, though. A move to left field could be in his future, while some scouts believe he has enough speed to stick in center.
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