Orioles Take a Chance on El Paso Standout Daniel Lopez in 12th Round of 2025 MLB Draft

The Baltimore Orioles have made a move that has fans in El Paso buzzing and scouts across baseball intrigued. With their 12th-round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, the Orioles selected Daniel Lopez, an athletic and versatile talent whose journey to this point is a testament to perseverance, raw ability, and a relentless drive to succeed. For a player who didn’t come from one of the major college baseball powerhouses, hearing his name called by a team on the rise is more than just a dream come true—it’s the start of a new chapter filled with opportunity and expectation.

Lopez, a product of El Paso’s thriving baseball scene, has been on the radar of scouts for several years, thanks to a blend of speed, defensive skill, and a developing bat that suggested untapped potential. The Orioles, an organization that has emphasized player development and upside in recent years, saw something in Lopez that convinced them he could be a piece of their future plans. For Lopez, the moment was surreal. From the dusty fields of West Texas to the bright lights of draft day, his path has been anything but conventional, and that’s part of what makes this story so compelling.

The 12th round might not carry the glamour of the early picks, but history has shown time and again that it’s often where teams find hidden gems—players who may not have dominated the headlines in college or high school but possess traits that can blossom with the right guidance. Baltimore believes Lopez is one of those players. What makes him stand out is his athleticism. At 6 feet tall with a lean, muscular frame, Lopez moves with the kind of fluidity that catches the eye immediately. His speed is a weapon, whether on the basepaths or tracking down fly balls in the outfield, and his arm strength gives him the versatility to play multiple positions.

Offensively, Lopez is still a work in progress, but the tools are there. His quick hands and ability to make hard contact suggest a hitter who can develop gap-to-gap power as he refines his approach. Scouts noted his willingness to make adjustments, a trait that often separates those who plateau from those who rise through the ranks. The Orioles have built a reputation for maximizing player potential, and in Lopez, they see a moldable talent who fits their philosophy.

For El Paso, Lopez’s selection is a point of pride. Baseball in this region often flies under the radar compared to hotbeds like California, Florida, or Texas’ major cities, but the area has produced its share of big-league talent. Lopez now carries that torch, and his story could inspire countless young players who dream of following in his footsteps. It’s not just about being drafted—it’s about proving that talent and hard work, regardless of geography, can open doors to the biggest stage in the sport.

Lopez’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Coming from a smaller market, he had to fight for exposure, attending showcases and tournaments that often required long trips and significant sacrifices. He balanced academics with athletics, understanding that nothing was guaranteed. Those who know him describe a player with an unshakable work ethic, someone who treats every practice like a game and every game like an audition. That mentality resonated with the Orioles, who value players who bring not only physical tools but also mental toughness to their system.

Now comes the hard part—the transition from amateur baseball to the professional grind. The minor leagues are a test unlike any other, demanding not only skill but endurance, adaptability, and resilience. Long bus rides, late nights, early mornings, and relentless competition await. For Lopez, this is where the real work begins. The Orioles will likely start him in rookie ball or at one of their lower-level affiliates, giving him a chance to acclimate to the speed and complexity of the pro game. From there, his progression will depend on how quickly he can turn raw tools into consistent production.

For Baltimore, this pick fits into a broader strategy aimed at sustaining success. After years of rebuilding, the Orioles have emerged as one of the most exciting young teams in baseball, powered by homegrown stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. But success at the major league level comes with a new challenge—keeping the pipeline flowing. Drafting players like Lopez isn’t just about filling out rosters; it’s about identifying the next wave of talent that can either contribute in Baltimore or serve as valuable trade assets down the line.

Lopez understands the magnitude of the opportunity in front of him. In interviews following his selection, he expressed gratitude for everyone who supported him along the way—his family, coaches, teammates, and the community that rallied behind him. He also made it clear that being drafted is only the beginning. His focus now is on earning his spot, proving himself every day, and making the most of a chance that countless players dream about but few ever get.

The Orioles, for their part, are confident that Lopez has what it takes to thrive in their system. Player development isn’t an exact science, but Baltimore has shown a knack for finding and nurturing talent that other teams might overlook. If Lopez can continue to grow, if he can translate his athleticism into consistent performance, and if he can handle the mental grind of professional baseball, there’s no telling how far he can go.

Stories like Daniel Lopez’s are the lifeblood of the MLB Draft. They remind us that baseball isn’t just about the top picks or the biggest programs. It’s about the kid who worked in relative obscurity, who stayed late after practice, who refused to let circumstances define his ceiling. It’s about perseverance, potential, and the belief that somewhere out there, under the West Texas sun, a future big leaguer is taking ground balls on a field most people will never see.

For now, Lopez joins an organization with a bright future and a clear plan. He’ll trade the familiar comfort of home for the uncertainty of the minor league grind, chasing a dream that demands everything and guarantees nothing. But if his past is any indication, he’ll embrace the challenge with the same determination that got him here. For the Orioles and their fans, that’s all you can ask for—a player with talent, character, and a hunger to prove he belongs. The rest, as always, will play out on the field.