Orioles Add Caden Bodine and Wehiwa Aloy with Back-to-Back Picks at 30 and 31 in 2025 MLB Draft.
The 2025 MLB Draft was full of surprises, calculated risks, and glimpses into the future of baseball, and for the Baltimore Orioles, it represented another key step in building what they hope will be a sustainable pipeline of elite talent. With the 30th and 31st overall picks in the first round, the Orioles made a bold statement by selecting two highly regarded prospects back-to-back: Caden Bodine and Wehiwa Aloy. Both players offer unique strengths and profiles that could significantly impact the organization in the coming years. For an Orioles team that has shown a clear commitment to smart, data-driven scouting and development, these selections reflect a strategy that emphasizes versatility, power potential, and character.
Caden Bodine, a switch-hitting catcher with a strong defensive foundation and impressive offensive upside, was the first name called by Baltimore at No. 30 overall. His selection didn’t come as a total shock to those following the Orioles’ draft philosophy. Bodine, who starred at Coastal Carolina, was widely viewed as one of the most well-rounded catchers in the entire class. While not necessarily the flashiest pick, Bodine brings stability behind the plate, advanced game-calling instincts, and a bat that has continued to improve year over year. His presence suggests that the Orioles are doubling down on the importance of having intelligent, fundamentally sound backstops who can handle a pitching staff and contribute offensively.
At just 21 years old, Bodine demonstrated strong leadership qualities at Coastal Carolina and was praised by coaches for his maturity, work ethic, and unselfish approach to the game. He’s not a catcher who simply blocks balls and throws out runners — though he does those things well — he’s someone who commands respect from pitchers and keeps them locked in. That skill is not easily quantified, but teams understand the value of a catcher who can stabilize a rotation and nurture the mental side of the game. With the Orioles continuing to build one of baseball’s most exciting young pitching cores, having someone like Bodine in the system to shepherd those arms could prove invaluable.
Offensively, Bodine has steadily climbed draft boards thanks to his increasing power numbers and a disciplined approach at the plate. His swing from both sides of the plate is fluid, and he shows an ability to adjust mid-at-bat, something scouts always keep an eye on when evaluating catchers with switch-hitting potential. While his offensive ceiling isn’t necessarily elite, there’s more than enough potential for him to become an above-average hitter in the big leagues. Even a modest offensive contribution from the catcher position can be transformative, especially if that player also brings strong defense and clubhouse leadership.
Just one pick later, the Orioles made another splash by selecting Wehiwa Aloy at No. 31. Aloy, a shortstop from the University of Arkansas, offers an entirely different kind of profile — a high-upside, athletic infielder with big power, quick hands, and defensive versatility. The Hawaiian-born prospect had been a rising name in draft circles thanks to a standout spring season and eye-popping exit velocities that caught the attention of many front offices. He’s the kind of player who has the tools to play multiple positions but will be given every chance to stick at shortstop, where his quick-twitch athleticism and strong arm play up.
Aloy’s story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and raw talent. Coming from the Pacific Islands, he had to earn national recognition the hard way — through relentless work and by making the most of every opportunity. He transferred to Arkansas to challenge himself at a higher level, and he delivered, showing not only that he belonged, but that he could thrive. His bat speed is among the best in this draft class, and his swing mechanics — particularly the way he gets his lower half involved — have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s most powerful young hitters.
Though he still has some room to improve his plate discipline, Aloy’s natural tools suggest that the upside is significant. He has the kind of electric potential that development staffs love to work with — the raw materials are there, and if he continues to refine his approach, the Orioles may have landed a cornerstone piece at the back end of the first round. His defensive future might ultimately depend on how his body develops, but even if he moves off shortstop, his glove and arm make him a candidate for second base or third base — possibly even a corner outfield spot if the bat keeps progressing.
What makes the back-to-back selection of Bodine and Aloy so intriguing is how different yet complementary their skill sets are. Bodine is the polished, steady presence behind the plate, someone who can help lead a pitching staff and offer dependable production. Aloy is the athletic wild card, a dynamic talent who could become a fan favorite if everything clicks. For a team like the Orioles, which has spent the past few seasons stockpiling talent at both the major and minor league levels, adding these two prospects signals a continued push to deepen the organization’s overall talent pool and keep the pipeline full.
It’s also a reflection of the Orioles’ draft strategy under General Manager Mike Elias and Scouting Director Brad Ciolek, both of whom have emphasized finding players with high character, baseball IQ, and development upside. Rather than chasing high-risk names or purely statistical darlings, the Orioles have opted for balance — players who offer both on-field potential and off-field maturity. Bodine and Aloy both check those boxes in different ways. In a sport that increasingly values flexibility and team chemistry, those traits are crucial.
Baltimore’s current core at the major league level includes a mix of homegrown stars like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holliday. That trio has helped redefine what the Orioles are capable of. But building a sustainable winner means consistently adding to that core, reinforcing every layer of the organization with players who can either contribute directly or offer trade value. Bodine and Aloy won’t be rushed, but they join a deep system where they’ll have every opportunity to grow and compete.
Analysts around the league have already praised the Orioles for their 2025 draft class, noting the calculated value they found at the end of the first round. Some teams reach at this stage in the draft, especially when pressured to find upside quickly. The Orioles, however, stuck to their board and landed two prospects who many believe could exceed their draft position value in time. That’s especially important for a team that is likely to graduate several top prospects to the majors soon and will need to restock at the lower levels.
In the immediate aftermath of the draft, reactions from both players were filled with gratitude and excitement. Bodine, who grew up watching the likes of Buster Posey and Yadier Molina, spoke about the pride he felt being drafted by an organization that values catchers and pitcher development. He mentioned the Orioles’ track record with player development and said he was eager to learn and contribute however he could. Aloy, meanwhile, talked about honoring his roots in Hawaii and how much it meant to him to take this next step. He beamed with excitement at the idea of playing for a franchise on the rise and making an impact in a city with a deep baseball history.
The Orioles’ farm system, already ranked near the top in baseball, is now even stronger. Adding Bodine and Aloy ensures the organization continues to thrive from top to bottom. While both players will likely start their professional careers at the lower levels of the minors, their development will be closely watched by fans and evaluators alike. It wouldn’t be surprising to see one or both become top-100 prospects if they perform well in their first full season.
Ultimately, the story of the Orioles’ 2025 draft may be defined not by splashy headlines or high-risk picks, but by the careful, thoughtful selections of players like Caden Bodine and Wehiwa Aloy. These are the kinds of decisions that help a franchise build for the long haul — the quiet but essential moves that ensure depth, continuity, and sustained competitiveness. The future remains bright in Baltimore, and with the additions of Bodine and Aloy, it’s looking just a little brighter.
