Orioles Select Auburn's Ike Irish 19th Overall

The Baltimore Orioles selected Auburn University's Ike Irish with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft, making him the 10th first-rounder in Auburn history. Irish completed his college career with a .350 batting average, 39 home runs, and 167 RBIs, and had a standout 2025 season hitting .364 with 19 home runs and 11 stolen bases. A left-handed hitter, Irish spent much of his junior year in right field due to a scapula injury, though he originally played catcher. Scouts view him as one of the top college hitters in the draft, highlighting his contact skills and developing power, but some question how his power will translate professionally. The slot value for the 19th pick is about $4.42 million, and Irish is expected to start his pro career with the Florida Complex League Orioles. His selection continues the Orioles’ focus on drafting college position players in the first round.