News Summary

Slater de Brun, an outfielder from Summit High School, has been selected by the Baltimore Orioles with the 37th pick in the MLB draft. This marks a significant achievement for Central Oregon, as he becomes the highest draft pick from the region since 2005. De Brun recently led his team to a state championship and is now faced with the decision to pursue a professional career or play at Vanderbilt University. His impressive stats and accolades highlight his potential as a future star in baseball.

Big News From Summit: Slater de Brun Joins the Orioles!

Exciting times are upon us here in Summit, Oregon! Our very own Slater de Brun, an outfielder from Summit High School, has officially been selected by the Baltimore Orioles with the 37th pick in the Major League Baseball draft that took place on July 13, 2025. What a monumental achievement for this talented young athlete!

A Season to Remember

Before hitting the big leagues, de Brun capped off his high school career in style, leading the Summit Storm to a state championship just last month. It was truly a thrilling season for both de Brun and his team. Not only did he help secure the Class 5A state title, but he also put on a show that left everyone cheering. In the championship game against Canby, he delivered with two RBIs, showcasing why he is such an exceptional player.

The Highest Draft Pick From Central Oregon Since 2005

With this selection, de Brun has made history as the highest Central Oregon baseball player to be drafted since Jacoby Ellsbury from Madras was taken 23rd overall by the Boston Red Sox back in 2005. That’s an impressive legacy to follow and goes to show just how talented de Brun really is.

Choosing Between College and the Pros

Adding to the excitement, Slater is committed to play baseball at Vanderbilt University next spring. But now, he faces a tough decision: dive into the world of professional baseball or continue his education at one of the most prestigious collegiate programs in the country. The stakes are high, especially with an estimated signing bonus of around $2.63 million hanging in the balance—quite the incentive to start a professional career!

A Star on the Rise

In his impressive senior year, de Brun boasted a batting average of .370, wracking up 26 RBIs, crossing home plate 35 times, and stealing 22 bases while playing center field. His achievements didn’t go unnoticed; he was named the Intermountain Conference Player of the Year and earned a spot on the Class 5A first-team all-state roster. This recognition is a testament to his relentless hard work and dedication to the game.

Making Waves on the National Stage

Slater’s talents were evident beyond high school. Last summer, he earned a coveted spot on the USA Baseball National Team, helping to further elevate his profile and show off his skills on a national level. His standout performance during the summer showcase circuit in Florida in 2023 played a significant role in enhancing his draft stock, catching the attention of MLB scouts and analysts alike.

Comparisons to the Pros

MLB analyst Jonathan Mayo has noted that de Brun shares similarities with MLB star Corbin Carroll, primarily due to his strong physicality and impressive skills on the field. Such comparisons only add to the anticipation surrounding his future in professional baseball!

More Oregon Talent on the Rise

Slater isn’t the only Oregon high school player who caught the MLB’s eye this year. Kruz Schoolcraft from Sunset High School was picked 25th overall by the San Diego Padres and earned accolades for his standing 6-foot-8 frame combined with exceptional pitches and a remarkable 0.53 ERA. Meanwhile, Aiva Arquette, a talented pitcher from Oregon State, got drafted 7th overall by the Miami Marlins.

Looking Forward to What’s Next

As the dust settles from this year’s draft, we can all look forward to following Slater de Brun’s journey in the world of professional baseball. Will he take the plunge into the pros, or will he suit up for college ball? Whatever he decides, we know that this young athlete has a bright future ahead of him!

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