Auburn's Ike Irish selected No. 19 overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2025 MLB draft
It was long suspected that Auburn iron man Ike Irish would be selected in the first round of the 2025 MLB draft. Sunday, those suspicions were realized as the Baltimore Orioles selected Irish with the No. 19 overall pick in Sunday's draft, which is taking place at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, site of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.
Irish's ability to attack opposing pitching, as well as his versatility in the field, made him attractive to Major League Baseball franchises. In three season's at Auburn, Irish hit 39 home runs and sent 167 runs home. He set many personal records last season as a junior by hitting 19 home runs, logging 78 hits, and hitting .364. He played a variety of positions during his time at Auburn, including right field, left field, first base, and catcher. He will likely be used as a catcher in the Orioles' organization should he elect to turn pro.
Irish becomes the 10th first-round selection that Auburn has produced. By being selected No. 19 overall, Irish joins elite company with the likes of Gregg Olson, Frank Thomas, Gabe Gross, Casey Mize, and Tanner Burns. He becomes the first Tiger taken in the first round since Burns was selected by the Cleveland Guardians at No. 36 overall in 2020, and is the 10th Tiger to be selected by the Baltimore Orioles, the first since Chase Allsup was taken by the O's in the fourth round of last year's draft.
The MLB draft continues into Monday. Rounds 1-3 will take place Sunday while rounds 4-20 will occur Monday.
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