The Baltimore Orioles hosted their four first-round draft picks for the 2025 season at Camden Yards last week, providing them with an opportunity to tour the ballpark, participate in batting practice, and meet future teammates. The players, including Ike Irish, the 19th overall pick, expressed their eagerness to improve their physicality and skills during the offseason.
Reflecting on his first experience among major league players, Irish noted, “I’ve got to get more physical. Standing around these big leaguers, I’m a little smaller than they are.” He emphasized the importance of enhancing his overall game as he transitions into his professional career. Joining him in this journey are fellow draftees Caden Bodine and Wehiwa Aloy, who share similar sentiments about the need to increase their strength and refine their talents.
After signing with the Orioles, the players are ready to focus solely on baseball, leaving behind the balancing act of academics and athletics. Bodine, who was selected 30th overall, highlighted the significance of having a full offseason for the first time. “College doesn’t really have a full offseason, kind of off and on,” he explained. “So a couple months of offseason, put a little bit more work in and see how it goes.”
### Preparing for Professional Baseball
How these young prospects utilize their first offseason will be crucial as they prepare for their inaugural full professional seasons in 2026. Slater de Brun, the only high school player in the group, signed with the Orioles just before the deadline, being selected 37th overall. He did not appear in any games with the Orioles’ Florida Complex League team before the conclusion of the rookie ball season.
At 5-foot-10 and 187 pounds, de Brun aims to increase his weight to 200 pounds, focusing on strength training and a nutritious diet. “Hopefully, I can put it on in my legs, because I don’t want to get too tight in the upper body,” he stated, aspiring to enhance his power at the plate by leveraging his lower body.
Aloy, who showcased promising performance by hitting .288 with two home runs and six stolen bases in 20 games with Low-A Delmarva, described his transition to professional baseball as “an easy adjustment.” He has developed strong relationships with his fellow draftees, which he believes will be significant for their collective growth. “Since Florida, we all met down there, we kind of created a little bond over there just being around each other a lot,” Aloy explained.
Irish noted the diverse backgrounds of the players, which adds to their camaraderie. “They come from all aspects of life,” he said, highlighting how their varied experiences enrich their perspectives on baseball and life.
### Individual Goals and Expectations
As the players set their sights on the offseason, each has distinct goals. Aloy aims to improve his speed, building upon his ability to steal bases, having recorded 16 stolen bases in his last two college seasons. Irish, who was among the most productive hitters in college, is focusing on refining his swing. He recorded a .230 batting average with one home run and a .594 OPS in his brief stint at Delmarva. “In this short stint, I put the ball on the ground a fair amount,” he noted. “So, we’re going to work on that this whole offseason.”
While the path ahead is filled with challenges, the Orioles’ first-round picks are determined to make the most of their time. With their unique backgrounds and shared experiences, they are poised to leave a mark as they transition into the world of professional baseball.
The Orioles organization is optimistic about the potential of these young talents and eagerly anticipates their growth as players and teammates. As they embark on this journey, their commitment to improvement and teamwork will be key to their success in the upcoming seasons.
