Offensive-minded Mountcastle lands with O's
BALTIMORE -- The Orioles used the 36th overall pick in the 2015 Draft on Monday to select Florida high school shortstop Ryan Mountcastle, who is known for his bat but might need to find a new position.
The right-handed hitter is listed at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds and is from Hagerty High School.
The O's used their first pick of the Draft on Florida State outfielder DJ Stewart.
The Draft continues on Tuesday with Rounds 3-10. The MLB.com preview show begins at 12:30 p.m. ET, with exclusive coverage of Rounds 3-10 beginning at 1 p.m. ET.
• O's take Florida State OF Stewart at No. 25
• Hard-throwing Hughes goes to O's at No. 68
"He's an offensive-minded infielder, whose power and arm strength are his two best tools," MLB.com Draft expert Jim Callis said. "I don't think he sticks at shortstop. He profiles more at third base, or maybe he winds up at an outfield corner, but you draft him here because of his offense. The Orioles obviously went offense with their first two picks, as both Stewart and Mountcastle carry their value primarily in their bats."
Mountcastle was ranked by MLBPipeline.com as the 110th prospect in the Draft. If he chooses to sign with the club, he could go under-slot, which would help Baltimore stay within its total Draft signing allotment and potentially dole out over-slot in other rounds. He is committed to Central Florida.
Mountcastle is most known for his hitting ability. According to MLBPipeline.com's scouting report, his tremendous bat speed leads to elite exit velocity when he squares balls up, giving him above-average power. He has a loose swing and does a good job of making adjustments to make consistent contact.
Mountcastle's defense is behind his bat as he played shortstop in high school and third base on the showcase circuit, which seems like a more likely landing spot. He could also project to be in an outfielder as a pro.