By Austin Medina
When the Orioles drafted outfielder Ryan McKenna out of high school, the organization knew they would have to wait a bit longer than normal.
McKenna, currently ranked 12th in the Orioles farm system, has been with the organization since 2015. He bypassed a college career for Liberty University when the Orioles selected him and now, fans will get a closer look in spring training.
I guess the headline for the spring training invites is that Ryan Mountcastle, Ryan McKenna and 3 guys from the Machado trade -- Kremer, Pop and Diaz -- all get an invite (and an extended look). As does Mike Yastrzemski, who certainly has paid his dues for this opportunity.
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) January 25, 2019The Orioles announced McKenna would be at spring training as a non-roster invitee. His first three seasons showed a raw talent who, like many new minor leaguers, struggled to adjust his hitting. His batting average ranged from .240 to .265.
It wasn't until last season where McKenna saw a spike in his production. With the Frederick Keys, the Orioles Class-A affiliate, McKenna soared through his first 67 games. Arguably the hottest hitter in the league, he batted .377 with eight homeruns along with a .566 slugging percentage.
With the impressive showing, the Orioles promoted McKenna to Bowie. The adjustment period once again proved difficult for McKenna, as he batted a season low .239 through 60 games at Double-A. Perhaps not having a full offseason hurt his flow.
McKenna has shown good bat-to-ball skills as well as a knack for getting on base. In 2018, he produced a .410 on base percentage.
The ups-and-downs should be expected with a 22-year old prospect drafted out of high school.
His latest work came in the Arizona Fall League, where McKenna batted an astounding .348, ranking sixth in the league. He ranked second in the league in both on-base percentage (.474) and slugging (.590).
Check out this no stride two-strike swing from Ryan McKenna. AFL video from @fangraphs. #orioles pic.twitter.com/zh5uZtOGTm
— Luke_Siler (@The_Luke_Siler) January 12, 2019His speed gives him an advantage not only on the base paths, but also in center field. His ability to cover ground is an important tool to have and one the Orioles could look forward to.
OF Ryan McKenna on getting a spring training invite: "It means a lot. It will be awesome to be around the older guys and just learn. Want to be a sponge and soak up all the information that I can."
— Steve Melewski (@masnSteve) January 26, 2019With prospects such as Yusniel Diaz and Austin Hays, McKenna will have to show consistency and maintain getting on base to have a chance at the Opening Day roster.
As it has been from the moment he was drafted, patience is essential when projecting McKenna's call-up. As long as he keeps improving as he has done every season, McKenna could find his way to the Orioles sooner than many originally thought.
Stay up-to-date with all of the Orioles propsects with 105.7 The Fan's Get To Know The Baby Birds features.
