TWO FOR THE SHOW

The Orioles’ 2019 draft class could define the franchise

- MATT EDDY

One day, the Orioles may look back at the 2019 draft as a turning point.

Baltimore held the No. 1 overall pick in one of those rare years with an obvious No. 1 talent.

Oregon State catcher Adley Rutschman was regarded as the best draft prospect since Bryce Harper nine years earlier. Rutschman was the College Player of the Year that season. He was a national champion the year before who was sure to be a franchise catcher in the future.

That future is now.

Rutschman entered the 2022 season ranked as the No. 1 prospect in baseball. A triceps injury set him back in spring training, but when he got back on the field in late April, it didn't take long for him to matriculate.

Rutschman made his MLB debut on May 21 and immediately impacted the Orioles' fortunes. Baltimore played at a 90-win pace with the 24-year-old rookie catcher anchoring the lineup and leading the pitching staff.

Rutschman led the Orioles in wins above replacement, and his WAR total ranked among the highest for a rookie catcher in the expansion era, appearing on the same list as Mike Piazza, Carlton Fisk, Thurman Munson, Johnny Bench and Buster Posey.

Just as Rutschman was settling into a routine in Baltimore, a new Orioles prospect was racing toward the top of the Top 100.