The Baltimore Orioles used the seventh overall pick in the 2026 MLB Draft on a pure upside play, selecting Eric Booth Jr., a high school outfielder from Oak Grove High in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The left-handed hitter and Vanderbilt commit brings a rare mix of straight-line speed and above-average power potential for a prep bat, giving Baltimore a high-ceiling, athletic center field profile as Day 1 of the draft wrapped up.
As reported by The Baltimore Sun, the Orioles made the Booth pick at No. 7 overall under the direction of president of baseball operations Mike Elias. The Sun noted that league scouts and draft observers saw enough explosiveness in Booth’s game to justify his landing in the top 10.
Scout's report
Baseball America ranked Booth as the top prep outfielder in the 2026 class, pointing to a physical 6-foot frame and a defensive skill set that already grades out as above average, with room for his power to grow as he matures. Baseball America notes that Booth’s fast bat and rare sprint times could make him an impact player if his swing is tightened up in professional development.
Numbers and the tools
MLB Pipeline’s prospect guide slots Booth among the top half dozen players in the draft class and backs up the scouting buzz with strong tool grades. He is credited with elite running ability, a strong defensive profile, and both present power and additional power potential, with the main question mark being an unorthodox swing that evaluators still view as coachable. The full MLB Pipeline breakdown and grades are available at MLB.com.
Where he fits for Baltimore
Although Elias’ front office has often leaned toward college bats near the top of the draft, local draft analysis had Booth pegged as a serious option for Baltimore heading into Day 1 if the right high school talent slipped. Coverage from BaltimoreBaseball.com noted that the selection gives the Orioles a center field candidate whose game is built around range and causing chaos on the bases.
Next steps
As a Vanderbilt commit, Booth now faces the familiar post-draft decision between signing a professional contract and honoring his college pledge, a process that typically plays out in the weeks following Round 1. If Booth signs with Baltimore, the organization is expected to set up a minor league development plan that focuses on refining his swing while fully leveraging his speed and defensive upside, an approach reflected in coverage from Baseball America.
