New Braunfels’ Jordan Westburg newest Oriole.
Orioles select New Braunfels product, Mississippi St. shortstop with 30th pick
The euphoria hadn’t subsided almost 24 hours after New Braunfels native Jordan Westburg was selected 30th by the Baltimore Orioles on the first day of the Major League Baseball draft Wednesday.
“I’d just like to take this time to say how excited and how pumped I am to be a part of the Orioles organization,” Westburg said in a video conference on Thursday afternoon. “I know that I’m still high on life right now with this opportunity and whenever baseball starts back up, I can’t wait to get going.”
Westburg, a 6-foot-3, 191pound shortstop from Mississippi
State, was the first pick in the draft’s Competitive Balance Round A. He was the second player from the area picked Wednesday after the Kansas City Royals drafted Kerrville Tivy graduate and Texas A&M lefthander Asa Lacy fourth.
Westburg, a 2017 New Braunfels High School graduate, formed one of college baseball’s top double-play combinations with second baseman Justin Foscue, who was selected 14th by the Texas Rangers.
Westburg listed athleticism as one of his strengths. Although he considers himself a shortstop, he said he
could adjust to other infield spots if needed.
“I think first of myself as a shortstop,” Westburg said. “I want to stick to that position for a long as possible, but I understand that the game is evolving and the game is changing and because of my athleticism, I feel like I can play anywhere on the diamond.”
The Orioles’ lack of quality middle infielders could work in Westburg’s favor as he attempts to work his way to the big leagues. Orioles general manager Mike Elias said stocking up on middle infielders is always a good thing.
“You look at the history of the draft and middle infielders, especially shortstops from big conference schools, every round they are the smartest picks you can make,” Elias told reporters Wednesday night. “You should really take as many as you can, and we really like Westburg.”
Westburg hit .317 with two home runs and six doubles in 60 at-bats this season, which was cut short because of the coronavirus pandemic. As a freshman in 2018, Westburg became one of six players to drive in seven runs in one College World Series game. As a sophomore, Westburg hit .294 with six home runs, 61 RBIS and 21 doubles.
“He’s a guy who has power, above average speed, who can throw,” Elias said. “There’s a lot to like here, and we think he can stay at shortstop.”
Westburg is the latest in a string of area players who have been taken high in recent drafts. A year ago, Macarthur graduate and Texas Tech third baseman Josh Jung was selected No. 8 by the Texas Rangers. Churchill outfielder Hudson Head was picked by the Padres in the third round and inked a $3 million signing bonus.
The Astros selected Alamo Heights pitcher Forrest Whitley with the No. 17 pick in the 2016 draft.
Westburg believes several San Antonio area players will follow their lead.
“It shows a lot of kids playing in this area, there’s a lot of opportunity to grow in the game of baseball and to have a future career,” Westburg said. “Just being in this area, you are going to see a lot of us as professionals, and I think it kind of gives hope to any kids that are coming up that they can make a career out of the baseball thing.”
The signing bonus value for the 30th pick is $2.37 million, according to Mlb.com. With professional baseball on hold because of the pandemic, Westburg said he doesn’t know how things will proceed. He’s been staying in shape at home in New Braunfels with a battling cage in his backyard and lifts weights in a shed at his house.
“I’m just trying to take it dayby-day,” Westburg said. “My last few months have been crazy just like everybody else’s have been ... I’ve been able to do everything that I need to do to stay in baseball shape, and I know that just trying to stay healthy is the biggest thing for me, and getting ready to take the next step whenever that may be is what I’m looking forward to.”