Auburn catcher/outfielder Ike Irish has officially signed with the Baltimore Orioles after being selected 19th overall in the 2025 MLB Draft. The Orioles announced the signing on Friday, securing Irish with a $4,418,400 bonus. He was the second non-shortstop or pitcher chosen in this year’s draft, following Wake Forest outfielder Ethan Conrad, picked 17th by the Cubs.
Irish had an outstanding collegiate career, becoming Auburn’s seventh consensus All-American in 2025. That year, he hit .364 with a .710 slugging percentage. Over three seasons with the Tigers, he maintained a .350 batting average, .435 OBP, and .625 slugging percentage across 160 games. He recorded 223 hits, 160 runs, 48 doubles, five triples, 39 homers, 167 RBIs, and 19 stolen bases. He now ranks sixth in Auburn history for home runs and eighth in slugging percentage.
Baltimore’s farm system includes teams at every level—from rookie ball with the FCL Orioles in Sarasota to Triple-A with the Norfolk Tides.
Irish wasn’t the only Alabama-connected player to sign this week. Georgia third baseman Slate Alford (Bob Jones HS) signed with the Angels after being picked 259th. UAB outfielder Logan Braunschweig (Thompson HS) joined the Braves at pick 277, and West Florida pitcher Dalton Neuschwander (Spanish Fort HS/Coastal Alabama-South) signed with the Orioles at No. 304. Additionally, Montevallo pitcher Adiel Melendez signed with Atlanta as an undrafted free agent.
These signings highlight Alabama’s continued presence in developing top-tier baseball talent.
