2025 MLB Draft: RJ Austin contract details revealed for Orioles third-round pick

The Baltimore Orioles have come to terms on a contract with third-round pick RJ Austin. The outfielder out of Vanderbilt has reportedly signed for $826,400.

Austin was selected with the 93rd overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. That means that the $826,400 deal he agreed to with Baltimore matches the slot value for where he was selected, and he’ll join the organization.

The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder didn’t put up massive numbers in college, but was known for his work with the glove and ability to make contact. Austin also offers some position versatility. That opens him to being either a utility player or changing positions to better fit a specific need.

In the 2025 season, Austin hit for a .257 batting average, .353 OBP, and a .383 slugging percentage. That’s a .736 OPS. He had two home runs, 15 doubles, and four triples to go with 42 RBIs on the season. On top of that, he stole 22 bases and was only caught stealing five times. Austin also had a 0.986 fielding percentage.

In total, RJ Austin played three seasons at Vanderbilt. On top of that, he played three seasons of Summer baseball. Two of those were in the Cape Cod Summer League and one was in the Sunbelt Baseball League.

Ahead of the MLB Draft, MLB.com scouts released some insight into RJ Austin. In particular, praising him for being able to make contact to all fields, though noting some concern with his arm strength.

“Austin has a lot going on with his right-handed swing and employs a big leg kick, but his hand-eye coordination and sense of timing allow him to make repeated contact to all fields. He almost puts the bat on the ball too easily, producing too much ground-ball contact and cutting into his walk totals. He lacks power and rarely drives the ball in the air to his pull side, so he may not offer more than 10-12 homers per season,” his MLB scouting report reads.

“With plus speed and a high baseball IQ, Austin is a proficient base-stealer. He covers ground and has good defensive instincts, though his fringy if accurate arm limits his effectiveness on the left side of the infield. He fits best at second base or center field, and he manned the latter position capably this spring. Scouts love his makeup.”

In 2022, RJ Austin did receive some attention from MLB and was considered a possible draft pick. However, at the time, he withdrew his name and went to Vanderbilt instead. Now, he’s signed and ready to begin his professional career in the Baltimore Orioles organization.