When will 2025 top draft picks contribute to the Orioles? | MAILBAG

Question: My question is more of a long-term one: The Orioles 2025 draft has the potential to be a game changer, so is it a realistic expectation for Caden Bodine, Ike Irish, Wehiwa Aloy and Slater de Brun to contribute in the next two-to-three years? From: William R. Bonnington

Answer: Bill, I think it’s realistic to think that the top four draft choices could be playing for the Orioles by the 2028 season. Both Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson debuted in 2022, three years after they were drafted.

First-round picks Colton Cowser debuted in 2023, and Jackson Holliday in 2024, both two years after they were drafted. It took Jordan Westburg three years to make his debut after he was taken in 2020. Dylan Beavers came up in August, three years after he was drafted in 2022.

Question: I am from Green Bay Wisconsin and was inquiring about Max Wagner. Injury update? Prospect info? Future update? Thanks for any information you might have. From: Bob Pigeon

Answer: Bob, Max Wagner was the Orioles’ second-round pick, the 42^nd overall in the 2022 draft. He’s had his share of injuries and last season hit .218 with five home runs and 27 RBIs and a .640 OPS in 87 games at Double-A Chesapeake.

Wagner, who’s played third and second base in the minor leagues, is no longer among the Orioles’ top 30 prospects. The 2026 season is an important one for Wagner, who wasn’t protected for next week’s Rule 5 draft. He must play well in order to restore his prospect status in the organization.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.