Griff O’Ferrall was chosen by the Baltimore Orioles with the 32nd overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft. O’Ferrall, who started at shortstop for all three years at Virginia, concluded his collegiate career by leading the Cavaliers to their second consecutive College World Series appearance. His achievements include winning a Gold Glove and becoming the first UVA player to receive the Brooks Wallace Award, given to the top shortstop in college baseball. In his final season, O’Ferrall hit .324, drove in 52 runs, hit five home runs, 20 doubles, and 92 hits. He became the second player from Virginia, and the first since Ryan Zimmerman, to achieve over 90 hits in back-to-back seasons, earning his second All-ACC First Team honor.
The Orioles picked O’Ferrall using a “prospect promotional incentive” pick they received because Gunnar Henderson won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2023. Henderson’s position as Baltimore’s shortstop suggests O’Ferrall might need to switch positions, likely to second base, to find a place on the team.
The No. 32 overall pick, to MLB’s slot values, is valued at $2,835,400, which is likely the signing amount O’Ferrall can expect from the Orioles. This selection marks the 148th MLB Draft pick from the Virginia baseball program, with 99 of those coming under coach Brian O’Connor.
