Are The Orioles Really Going To Pass On Druw Jones?
The 2022 Rule 4 MLB Draft is expected to take place on July 17th. The Baltimore Orioles will pick first and have a chance to really turn their franchise around. Druw Jones, otherwise known as Andruw Jones’ son, is regarded as a generational type prospect. If he’s anything like his dad, we’re looking at a star in the making.
Of course, when it comes to the Orioles, nothing is ever easy. I wouldn’t exactly call myself a college-high school baseball connoisseur, but I know talent when I see it. You sprint to the podium and take Druw Jones. This shouldn’t be that hard. Except it’s the Orioles and they just might find a way to blow this.
In a recent mock draft put out by MLB.com, Jim Callis has the Orioles passing on Jones for high school shortstop Jackson Holliday. Obviously, we have no idea what direction the Orioles will go, but Callis makes a great point in his column. There is a lot of politics that go on with this stuff. Getting someone to sign an underslot deal to open up more pool money in the later rounds is something teams do all the time. Houston did exactly that with Carlos Correa and look how that turned out?
This is the Orioles. There is no margin for error. Isn’t it hard enough competing in the AL East with the Yankees, Rays, Jays, and Red Sox already? Druw Jones is the only option here…
Doesn’t this feel similar to what the Pirates were going through last year? All year Marcelo Mayer was thought to be the top guy. He slipped to four on draft day because the Pirates had worked out an agreement with Louisville catcher Henry Davis. Mayer eventually got picked by Boston and looks like a STAR in the minors with the Sox right now.
The Orioles can’t go cheap here and worry about slot money. Take the best guy. This is your chance to change the franchise around. It’s hard enough trying to win with an ignorant owner that refuses to spend during the International Bonus periods for reasons we don’t need to get into. Baltimore can do a lot to rebuild its credibility but it starts by taking Jones. The entire baseball world is watching.
PS: I feel like I’m officially getting old. Carl Crawford’s son Justin is also in this draft and will hear his name called in the first round. Should I panic about getting old?
