When the Orioles dealt reliever Bryan Baker to the Rays for the 37th pick in the 2025 draft just days before the event commenced, they added roughly $2.6 million to a $19 million bonus pool that was the highest in MLB this year.
That gave Baltimore the chance to make a big bet early in the draft.
They did so on Slater de Brun, an Oregon high school outfielder whom they selected with the 37th pick, a competitive balance Round A selection. The went well above slot to sign him for $4 million.Â
“Thereâ€s no perfect player for anybody, but the closest who I like is Corbin Carroll,†de Brun said. “Iâ€ve been watching him for three years. When I started wanting to be like Corbin, I was a JV baseball player.â€
Now, heâ€s a pro who went to the Orioles†complex in Sarasota, Fla., after signing and didnâ€t participate in any official games. He was back in Florida for instructional camp, adding more strength to his 5-foot-9 frame and power to his lefthanded swing to fill out what is expected to be a dynamic set of tools.
Orioles vice president of player development and scouting Matt Blood said after the draft that de Brun “can really run, play center field (and) make a ton of contact as well—a lot of line drives . . .
“He’s another one of these contact guys who also walks. We feel like all those things combined given him a pretty good chance to have some success.â€
The Orioles have not drafted high school hitters often under president of baseball operations Mike Elias, but those they have taken have fared well. That list includes Baltimore shortstop Gunnar Henderson and second baseman Jackson Holliday.
It also includes Coby Mayo, who found his swing in September; Athletics infielder Darell Hernaiz; and Orioles prospect outfielder Nate George, a breakout star this year after being drafted in the 16th round in 2024.
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