Orioles projected to take LSU outfielder in early 2026 mock draft

Jared Bloom

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Orioles projected to take LSU outfielder in early 2026 mock draft image

Earlier this week, the Baltimore Orioles found themselves with a 9.24% to take home the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft. That was the fourth-highest odds, but it did not end up paying off. 

Instead, the first pick went to the Chicago White Sox, who had the highest odds to get the job done. Now, Baltimore finds itself with the No. 7 overall pick. 

While it is not as illustrious as the top pick, there will be tons of talent to choose from here. The question is, who could fit the best for Baltimore's plans?

Orioles projected to take LSU outfielder in early 2026 mock draft

The consensus top pick for many scouts at the moment is UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky. However, this is still early, so these names can jump around at any point during the upcoming baseball season. 

According to Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter, he believes LSU outfielder Derek Curiel would be an excellent pick at the seventh spot. 

"One of the top draft-eligible sophomores in the class, there are some questions about his long-term power outlook, but his hit tool and defensive profile in center field give him an extremely high ceiling."

There are some questions about his long-term power, but he has good pop now and has excellent bat-to-ball skills while being a great defender in the outfield. 

Many scouts are not worried about what position he will play in the big leagues. While some center fielders move off the position after being drafted, that is not expected here. 

Curiel is believed to be good enough to handle the difficulties of center field, especially with his speed and fringy arm. Moving him to a corner outfield spot could prove to be difficult unless he gets stronger. 

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Editorial Team