Brian Matusz is Who? All of the Orioles’ First-Round Selections
The Baltimore Orioles, one of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) oldest and most storied franchises, have a rich history of draft selections. The first round of the MLB Draft is typically reserved for top prospects with the potential to make an immediate impact on the big league roster. For the Orioles, the first-round selections have often represented high hopes for the team’s future. One of the most intriguing and, at times, controversial picks in recent history was Brian Matusz, a left-handed pitcher selected by the Orioles in the 2008 MLB Draft. To understand Matusz’s place in the franchise’s draft history, we must first delve into his career and how it compares to other first-round selections made by the team.
Brian Matusz: The 2008 First-Round Pick
Brian Matusz, a left-handed pitcher, was selected by the Baltimore Orioles with the fourth overall pick in the 2008 MLB Draft. Matusz was one of the top collegiate pitchers at the time, playing for the University of San Diego, and was widely considered one of the best pitching prospects in the nation. His selection by the Orioles was met with optimism, as they hoped that Matusz would quickly develop into a top-of-the-rotation starter.
The Orioles, who were in the midst of a rebuilding phase, were looking for a cornerstone piece, and Matusz appeared to be that player. He made a solid start to his professional career, performing well in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut in 2009. In his first season, Matusz showed flashes of brilliance with a 4.63 ERA and 88 strikeouts in 107 innings pitched. However, it became clear that the transition from the minor leagues to the majors was not going to be easy for Matusz.
Despite showing promise early in his career, Matusz’s performance in the major leagues was inconsistent. His ERA never dipped below 4.30 for a full season, and injuries began to take their toll. By 2013, Matusz was moved to the bullpen after struggling as a starting pitcher. While he found some success as a reliever, it became apparent that he would not live up to the lofty expectations that come with being a top-five pick in the draft.
Matusz’s story is not unique in the world of first-round picks, but it does serve as a cautionary tale for teams selecting highly touted pitchers. Injuries, inconsistency, and the immense pressure of expectations often prove difficult to overcome, and Matusz’s career arc is an example of those challenges.
The Orioles’ Other First-Round Selections: A History of Hits and Misses
Brian Matusz’s selection in 2008 is just one of many first-round picks made by the Orioles throughout their history. The team has seen both successes and failures with these picks, and each draft has played a crucial role in shaping the franchise’s future.
Here’s a look at some of the Orioles’ notable first-round selections over the years:
1. 1965 – Rick Monday (Outfielder)
The Orioles’ first-ever first-round pick was Rick Monday, selected by the team with the fourth overall pick in the 1965 MLB Draft. Monday went on to have a solid 19-year MLB career, earning a reputation as a consistent outfielder and power hitter. He played for several teams, including the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers, but was traded away from the Orioles before making a significant impact for the team.
2. 1982 – Jim Abbott (Pitcher)
Another famous first-round pick for the Orioles was Jim Abbott, chosen by the team with the eighth overall pick in the 1982 MLB Draft. Abbott, who was born without a right hand, became an inspirational figure in baseball. Although Abbott did not play for the Orioles in the big leagues, he went on to have a successful career with the California Angels, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees. He was a symbol of perseverance and determination, and his story became one of the most famous in baseball history.
3. 1991 – Jeffrey Hammonds (Outfielder)
In the 1991 MLB Draft, the Orioles selected Jeffrey Hammonds with the fourth overall pick. Hammonds was a talented outfielder who showed flashes of potential during his career, but he struggled with injuries, which prevented him from fulfilling his promise. While he had some productive seasons with the Orioles and other teams, Hammonds’ career was a disappointing result for a fourth overall pick.
4. 1997 – Jayson Stark (Pitcher)
The Orioles selected right-handed pitcher Jayson Stark in the first round of the 1997 draft. Stark, who was once considered a top pitching prospect, never panned out as expected. He spent only a short time in the majors and was ultimately released from the team. His selection serves as another example of the uncertainty that accompanies draft picks, particularly pitchers.
5. 2003 – Nick Markakis (Outfielder)
One of the Orioles’ more successful first-round picks came in 2003, when they selected outfielder Nick Markakis with the seventh overall pick. Markakis would go on to become one of the best players in Orioles history, spending 11 seasons with the team. He was known for his consistent batting, strong defense, and leadership qualities. Markakis was a key figure in the Orioles’ playoff teams of the 2010s and is considered one of the franchise’s top players of the 21st century.
6. 2011 – Dylan Bundy (Pitcher)
Another high-profile first-round selection came in 2011 when the Orioles selected right-handed pitcher Dylan Bundy with the fourth overall pick. Bundy was hailed as one of the best pitching prospects in recent memory, and many believed he would become a future ace for the team. Unfortunately, Bundy’s career was plagued by injuries, and he never reached the heights expected of him. He did have some productive seasons with the Orioles and later with the Los Angeles Angels, but his career was ultimately defined by what could have been.
7. 2018 – Grayson Rodriguez (Pitcher)
In 2018, the Orioles selected pitcher Grayson Rodriguez with the 11th overall pick. Rodriguez is considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball and is viewed as a potential ace for the future. With his powerful fastball and solid command, Rodriguez is expected to make a significant impact for the Orioles in the coming seasons. As of 2025, Rodriguez has continued to rise through the ranks of the Orioles’ farm system and is highly anticipated to debut soon.
The Bottom Line: A Mixed Bag
The Baltimore Orioles’ history of first-round picks is a fascinating tale of both success and failure. While players like Nick Markakis and Grayson Rodriguez have helped build a foundation for future success, others, like Brian Matusz, Jeffrey Hammonds, and Dylan Bundy, have failed to meet the high expectations set by their draft positions. In many ways, Matusz’s career epitomizes the risks that come with high draft selections. Injuries, underperformance, and a lack of development can derail even the most promising prospects.
In the end, first-round picks are a critical component of any franchise’s future, but they are by no means a guarantee of success. While the Orioles’ history is dotted with disappointing selections, it’s clear that the team has found some gems along the way. Whether or not Brian Matusz is remembered as a cautionary tale or a stepping stone for future success in Baltimore remains to be seen, but he is undoubtedly part of the complex tapestry that makes up the Orioles’ draft history.
