Baltimore Orioles
AL East
2024 record: 91-71 (2nd)
MiLB affiliates
Triple-A: Norfolk Tides
Double-A: Chesapeake Baysox
High-A: Aberdeen IronBirds
Single-A: Delmarva Shorebirds
Notable prospects graduated in 2024
OF Colton Cowser
LHP Cade Povich
2B Jackson Holliday
OF Heston Kjerstad (129 AB)
Prospects1500 writers who contributed to this column and rankings: Tony Bps (@tonybps1), Greg Bracken (@gregbracken07), Clint Fasse (@ProspectLarceny), Adam Greene (@aj_greene1015), Scott Greene (@Scotty_Ballgame), Shaun Kernahan (@ShaunKernahan), Jeremy Mahy (@JMahyfam), and J.W. Mulpas (@BBoxscore). The writer’s Twitter handle follows each player write-up or paragraph.
Prospects1500 Tiers:
Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years
Tier 2: Players with an above-average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor
Tier 4: Players who have the potential to make the majors; possible sleeper candidates for sustained MLB success
Tier 5: Players of interest, worth keeping an eye on, who may make (or have made) the majors but provide minimal impact
Levels listed for each player are the highest levels player reached in 2024
Tier 1
1. Coby Mayo, 3B, 23, MLB
Orioles fans were clamoring for Mayo to get the MLB call-up last year as he was putting up excellent numbers in Triple-A, which followed a very solid 2023 across Double/Triple-A. He got that promotion in August for seven games, and to say he struggled in an understatement (1 single in 20 plate appearances), and he continued his rough go at it in the big leagues with another 10 games in September (3 more singles in 26 PA). Mayo has light tower power and is still one of the top overall prospects in the game, but he’s going to need an excellent Spring Training to break camp as he battles Westburg, Mountcastle, O’Hearn and others for a spot on the 26-man roster. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
2. Samuel Basallo, C/1B, 20, Triple-A
The top ranked catching prospect in Minor League Baseball, according to MLB Pipeline’s new Top 100, is still only 20 years old. Basallo took big strides in 2024, being named to the All-Star Futures Game and reaching Triple-A. Power is one of his best tools, as he belted 19 home runs between Bowie and Norfolk last season, and don’t forget about him on the basepaths because the 6’4” left handed hitter also swiped ten bags. He probably wants to keep getting time at first base, as that will probably be an easier path to the Majors with Adley Rutschman cemented as the Orioles catcher. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
Tier 2
3. Enrique Bradfield Jr., OF, 23, Double-A
In all MiLB, Bradfield Jr. trailed only Tampa Bay’s Chandler Simpson (104) in stolen bases last season with 74. His stellar outfield defense was on full display too, and he made multiple jaw-dropping plays in center. At the plate he made minor improvements; his approach has always been good, especially knowing speed is his most valuable asset, but he did make better contact than he did during his pro debut in 2023. What Bradfield Jr. lacks in power he easily makes up for with his elite speed and defense. (@aj_greene1015)
4. Dylan Beavers, OF, 23, Triple-A
Beavers made an adjustment to his swing allowing him to be shorter to the ball. He is hitting more line drives as a result. In 451 at bats across Double/Triple-A he hit 15 home runs while running a 23% K rate. The left-handed hitter fared well against southpaws hitting .276 with an OBP of .374. He also stole 31 bases on the year. His game is very similar to that of Cedric Mullins who is only signed through next season. In a crowded system don’t forget about Beavers. (@JMahyfam)
Tier 3
5. Vance Honeycutt, OF, 21, High-A
The Orioles may be the only system in baseball that Honeycutt is not the hands down best defensive center fielder. While there can be a debate between he and Bradfield for that spot, one thing there isn’t much debate about is the pure toolset he has. Nearing double plus speed, a plus arm, and plus power, there is a ton to love in the profile. That said though, the swing and miss concerns are real and that hit tool needs to really improve if he plans on making enough contact to be an impact player at the highest level. (@ShaunKernahan)
6. Chayce McDermott, RHP, 26, MLB
McDermott pitched exactly 100 innings at Triple-A in 2024. He struck out an impressive 144 batters (12.96 K/9), but also walked 60 (5.40 BB/9) contributing to an inflated 1.41 WHIP. McDermott has mid-rotation stuff, however, if he cannot improve his command and throw strikes, he’ll have a hard time breaking the big league roster as a consistent starter. He did make his MLB debut in late July, but a right shoulder injury prevented further opportunities in the majors down the stretch. At 26 years old, the time is now for McDermott to seize a spot in Baltimore’s rotation or he may be headed for a role in the bullpen. (@BBoxscore)
7. Luis De León, RHP, LHP, 21, High-A
2024 was a tale of two levels for De León. Starting out back in Single-A (28 IP) he was dominant, with a 2.25 ERA/0.96 WHIP, 6% walk rate and 35% strikeout rate. After his promotion to High-A all the numbers backed up and he gave up much harder contact. In 59.2 IP, his ERA/WHIP spiked to 5.73/1.88, and his walk rate jumped to 14.6% while his strikeout rate fell to 22.6%. He has good stuff with a two-seam fastball that touches 97 and a slider that generates swing and miss when he is spotting it well. It all comes down to his control/command. A repeat of High-A to start 2025 will be telling. (@JMahyfam)
8. Jud Fabian, OF, 24, Triple-A
There’s no questioning Fabian’s power. When he connects, there’s few who make louder contact than he does. However, the strikeout rate has been something he’s struggled mightily with the last two years, accruing 346 between 2023-24. In just about a month of games in Triple-A he hit .159, so starting 2025 back in Norfolk and getting more at-bats against more advanced pitchers will be the next step of his development. (@aj_greene1015)
Tier 4
9. Michael Forret, RHP, 20, High-A
10. Griff O’Ferrall, SS, 21, High-A
11. Frederick Bencosme, SS/2B, 22, Double-A
12. Patrick Reilly, RHP, 23, Double-A
13. Tavian Josenberger, 2B, 23, Double-A
14. Creed Willems, C/1B, 21, Double-A
15. Leandro Arias, SS, 19, High-A
16. Trace Bright, RHP, 24, Double-A
17. Brandon Young, RHP, 26, Triple-A
18. Austin Overn, OF, 21, High-A
19. Ethan Anderson, C/1B, 21, High-A
O’Ferrall has a good eye at the plate and some good speed but limited power potential. Bencosme struggled a bit in his first taste of AA ball but has solid speed and could be a utility type in the majors. Reilly has a good pitch-mix and could be a mid-rotation starter. Josenberger is more valuable in real-life than fantasy with his defensive versatility. Arias could carve out a career as a back-up infielder with some speed. Willems has good power and a developing hit-tool and could be a starting catcher in the majors as soon as next season. He’s coming off an All-Star Arizona Fall League campaign. (@tonybps1)
Tier 5
20. Stiven Martinez, OF, 17, Rookie (DSL)
21. Thomas Sosa, OF, 20, High-A
22. Aron Estrada, SS/2B, 20, High-A
23. Max Wagner, 3B, 23, Double-A
24. Justin Armbruester, RHP, 26, Triple-A
25. Braylin Tavera, OF, 19, Single-A
26. Alex Pham, RHP, 25, Double-A
27. Nestor German, RHP, 22, High-A
28. Carlos Tavera, RHP, 26, Triple-A
29. Edgar Portes, RHP, 22, High-A
30. Elis Cuevas, OF, 20, Single-A
31. Emilio Sanchez, SS, 17, Rookie (DSL)
32. Jordan Sanchez, OF, 19, Rookie (DSL)
33. Aneudis Mordán, C, 20, High-A
34. Kiefer Lord, RHP, 22, Rookie (FCL)
35. Luis Almeyda, SS/2B, 18, Rookie (FCL)
36. Carter Baumler, RHP, 22, High-A
37. Reed Trimble, OF, 24, Double-A
38. Elvin Garcia, SS, 18, Rookie (DSL)
39. Edwin Amparo, 2B, 20, Single-A
40. Keeler Morfe, RHP, 18, Single-A
41. Joshua Liranzo, 3B, 18, Rookie (FCL)
42. Braxton Bragg, RHP, 24, Single-A
43. Cameron Weston, RHP, 24, Double-A
44. DJ Layton, RHP, 18, High school
45. Miguel Rodriguez, C/1B, 19, Single-A
46. Trey Gibson, RHP, 22, High-A
47. Chase Allsup, RHP, 21, College
48. Ryan Stafford, C, 22, High-A
49. Esteban Mejia, RHP, 17, Rookie (DSL)
50. Peter Van Loon, RHP, 25, Double-A
Martinez looked very solid as a 16-year-old in Rookie ball and is expected to develop more power as he grows. Sosa stole 30 bases last season and has a chance to develop some power as he matures. He’s one to keep an eye on in this tier. Estrada is a solid hitter with some speed and could develop power as he matures. Tavera has been struggling in the minor leagues but is still young and has a chance to develop. Emilio Sanchez has good speed and projects to develop power as he matures. Jordan Sanchez looked very solid in his first taste of Rookie ball and is another one to watch in this tier.
Adam Greene is a student UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management. He currently writes for the Cape Cod Baseball League and UMass Athletics. From Longmeadow, MA, Adam is a huge Red Sox fan and has been following the team his whole life and he's spent the last few years covering their farm system. Follow him on Twitter at @aj_greene1015 and Instagram at the same handle.
President of Prospects1500. Founder of Diamond Duos dynasty fantasy baseball leagues and the MLB Fantasy Playoffs Parlay. Participant and champion in several dynasty/fantasy baseball and football leagues. Sales Manager for Reminder Publishing by day. Huge Bruce Springsteen and pro wrestling fan. Along with his wife and two boys, lives in Longmeadow, MA. Follow on Twitter at @Scotty_Ballgame.
Jeremy covers the St Louis organization and contributes on Prospects of the Week for Prospects1500. Born and raised in the Midwest, he is a lifelong fan of the Birds on the Bat. You can follow him on Twitter @JMahyfam for more baseball content.
"Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too." -Yogi Berra
Greg covers the Toronto Blue Jays organization for Prospects1500. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, a long-suffering fan of both the Blue Jays and the Toronto Maple Leafs. For more than 15 years now a participant/commish in many dynasty baseball leagues, all with extremely deep minor league rosters. Follow on X @gregbracken07.
Shaun Kernahan is the MLB Draft correspondent for Prospects1500. When not at a game, chances are the TV and/or tablet has a game on and he has a notepad out taking notes. When not scouting draft prospects, he is the Director of Baseball Operations for the Mile High Collegiate Baseball League, a collegiate wood bat league in Colorado. Shaun can be found on Twitter at @ShaunKernahan.
Tony Bps Spina is a lifelong baseball fan hailing from the City of Brotherly Love - Philadelphia! Tony has loved baseball since 1980 and has followed the Phillies through good and bad times. Tony is married with 3 kids and works for a financial institution but has enough free time to play in 20 fantasy baseball leagues with 75% of them being Dynasty Leagues. He lives a few blocks away from Citizens Bank Park and attends many Phillies games per year in addition to their minor league teams in Lehigh Valley and Reading. He can be reached on Twitter at @TonyBps1.
J.W. resides in Northeast Ohio and is a lifelong Cleveland sports fan. His favorite baseball player of all-time is 2018 Hall of Fame inductee, Jim Thome. He enjoys playing Fantasy Baseball, especially dynasty leagues. He has been a contributor to Prospects1500 since January 2025. You can follow J.W. on X at @BBoxscore.
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