In introduction to pro ball, recent draft pick finds out how much O's like defensive versatility

ABERDEEN, Md. – Selected by the Orioles in the fifth-round of the 2024 MLB Draft, catcher Ryan Stafford out of Cal-Poly, quickly found out that defensive versatility is important to his new organization. 

If a player can play multiple positions and move around the diamond, the Orioles will have them do it on the farm.

“One thing for me that I was really surprised about, I was getting to play other positions,” Stafford told me recently at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen. “Like the third day I was in (Low-A) Delmarva I was playing second base. I had no clue I was going to have opportunities to play other positions like the Orioles let guys do. So that is one of the coolest parts.

“I wouldn’t say that was completely new. I played up the middle throughout my childhood, at shortstop and second base is similar. Some similar reads and it is natural for me. But what was new was first base where I played the other day. Played five spots so far, corner outfield, first, second and catch.”

Stafford said he first noticed he might need a few different gloves during the O’s orientation for draft picks in Sarasota.

“They hinted at it,” he said. “I did some outfield work in Sarasota, so I expected to be out there a bit. Infield was more of a surprise. But at the same time, they are showing confidence that I have the athleticism to play these positions. Giving me the chance to show off athleticism that you don’t really get to behind the dish.”

Stafford, 21, then headed north to join affiliates and played in 20 games between Delmarva and High-A Aberdeen and this week is spending time with coaches in Sarasota in what amounts to a fall instructional camp.

During the college season he made 54 starts in 57 games catching for Cal Poly. As a pro after the draft, he has started seven games catching and seven at second base, one at first and three in corner outfield spots. 

Adds to his resume and he realizes that could be big for him as he moves up the minor league ladder.

“Definitely. And if I stick catching, that is great,” Stafford said. “But on the other side of it if I end up in the infield or outfield, you could have a player that is a third catcher on the roster. There are ways to help and definitely glad I am getting this chance.”

A right-handed hitter, Stafford had a big year on offense for Cal Poly. In 57 games as a junior this past college season, the righty batter hit .368/.444/.568/1.012 with 23 doubles, three triples, 49 runs, six homers, 10 steals and 46 RBIs.

“I try to be a versatile offensive player,” he said. “I don’t try to do anything too special and hit the big fly because I have a bit of a smaller frame. I try to stay gap-to-gap and hit line drives. Hitting the ball at good angles is something they preach. Do that and there will be some hits through the field. Understanding who I am as hitter is helpful in the many aspects we are developing my swing.”

Stafford batted .273/.378/.318/.696 between the Shorebirds and IronBirds with three doubles, 10 steals (in 11 tries) and 10 RBIs. He hit .327 for Delmarva but went 2-for-17 in five games with Aberdeen.

Are the coaches already having him make any swing changes or doing much tweaking and/or tinkering?

“They are not making any major adjustments. It is just tinkering and finding ways that I can be more efficient in my movements. A comprehensive approach and it is always a two-way conversation. What the coaches are seeing and then also what we feel and we are looking to do. It’s very open and definitely a two-way street,” he said.

From Folsom, California near Sacramento, Stafford said he wants to add weight this winter. Playing at around 165 right now, he feels he can comfortably add 10 to 15 pounds. He also will spend more time this winter working on defense beyond just catching.

He said joining an organization that had been ranked as the No. 1 farm and that has produced an abundance of young talent, gives him confidence as a first-year Oriole.

“Clearly the blueprint works. And all these other teams are talking about the Orioles being great at developing position players. For me, when I got the news I would be an Oriole, I was bouncing off the walls knowing that this is one of the best places I could be for my own personal development as a player," said Stafford.