For years now we’ve been hearing about how the Orioles farm system is loaded with talent from top to bottom. It seemed like every year they had a new top prospect taking the minors by storm, from Adley Rutschman, to Gunnar Henderson, and now Jackson Holliday. It was always going to be a tall task to compete in a stacked AL East, but come 2023, their young core broke through and won their first division title since 2014.
Now, Baltimore looks set to be just as competitive, and with the news of the team’s sale, it really appears that they will be a contender in the American League for the foreseeable future. The best part for O’s fans is that the minor leagues may have more talent than it ever has. Even with the call-ups and graduations, they still have an amazing group of prospects that have all the makings of future big league stars. If last year was any indication of things to come, Baltimore is in a great spot going forward. (@aj_greene1015)
Seven Prospects1500 writers contributed to this column and rankings including Scott Greene (@Scotty_Ballgame), Tony Bps (@tonybps1), Greg Bracken (@gregbracken07), Shaun Kernahan (@ShaunKernahan), Adam Greene (@aj_greene1015), Clint Fasse (@ProspectLarceny), and Jeremy Mahy (@JMahyfam). 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
J15 international signees Stiven Martinez, OF and Emilio Sanchez, SS will likely be ranked on this list come the midseason update. If they slotted in right now, both would be in the 40-45 range in the back-half of Tier 5.
Levels listed for each player are the highest levels player reached in 2023
Tier 1
1. Jackson Holliday, SS, 20, Triple-A
The first overall pick in any draft comes with high expectations, but what Holliday did in his first full season is nothing short of incredible. In his age 19 season, he flew through the minors solidifying himself as not just the Orioles top prospect, but the top prospect in baseball. There’s not really much else to say about Holliday’s abilities; he’s an elite hitter, great on the bases, and has a high baseball IQ from growing up around the game. If you’re going to knock him for anything, the defense is yet to acclimate to the level he’s played at offensively, but that’s a tall task when you’re arguably the best hitting prospect. His power took a small leap last year, something he’ll likely focus more on this season as well. At just 20 years-old, Holliday looks likely to get his MLB promotion at some point this year, culminating a historic rise through the minor leagues. (@aj_greene1015)
2. Samuel Basallo, C/1B, 19, Double-A
“He’s one to keep an eye on” is what our 2023 Orioles Top 50 Prospects noted. Sure enough, a year later Basallo finds himself at the top of the organizational ranking along with Holliday. In his first full season he displayed his rocket of an arm, catching 33% of stolen bases attempts and looking like a completely new player behind the plate. His bat was relatively good in Rookie ball, but no one saw a .313/.402./.551/.953 slash line coming. Along with that, Basallo blasted 20 home runs and totaled a .239 ISO. The power has always been there, but the overall contact numbers were up too. Combine the defensive profile with how Basallo hit last season, and the Orioles have yet another top prospect in baseball. (@aj_greene1015)
Tier 2
3. Coby Mayo, 3B, 22, Triple-A
Easily one of @Eric_Birdland‘s favorite O’s prospects, Mayo is knocking on the doorsteps of the big leagues, with a 2024 ETA anticipated. The 6’5″ 230 lb corner infielder has what some evaluators call light tower power, and we powered his way to 29 HR, 99 RBI and 284 total bases across Double-A and Triple-A last season. Some may ask, where is Mayo going to play, with Henderson at 3B? Coby could move over to first base, a position he played 28 times in 2023. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
4. Colton Cowser, OF, 23, MLB
Cowser is heading into 2024 having a 26-game MLB debut under his belt, in which he played all three outfield positions for the Orioles from July 5 through August 11. After a slow start to a promising major league career (.115 average, .433 OPS), Baltimore’s 2021 1st round selection (5th overall) finished the season back in Norfolk. His year’s Triple-A slashline of .300/.417/.520 is definitely an indicator of what’s to come. In Spring Training, he’ll look to focus on what delivered results from HS to AAA, a quiet upper half with a tremendous lower half that plants, torques, and drives the ball to all fields. Cowser will be back manning the outfield in Camden Yards before too long, but is likely to open 2024 in Triple-A with Hays, Mullins and Santander in the O’s Opening Day lineup. (@Scotty_Ballgame and @DET_Guru_Kurt)
5. Heston Kjerstad, OF, 24, MLB
Some scouts and prospectors seem to be down on Kjerstad. I’m no scout but I really liked what I saw in the 2022 Arizona Fall League, and the outfielder put up awesome numbers in 2023 and earned a promotion to Baltimore. He certainly is a feel-good story after missing all of 2021 with a heart condition and the first couple of months in 2022 with a hamstring strain. The Orioles’ 1st round pick in 2021 (2nd overall) should be a Top 50 prospect in the game, even though several other outlets don’t have him there anymore. He may begin this season in AAA Norfolk, but won’t be there for long. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
6. Connor Norby, 2B, 23, Triple-A
Norby made a quick debut in Triple-A at the end of 2022 and put up crazy batting numbers, and then spent the entirety of 2023 in Norfolk. He played well over the course of 122 games, providing a nice bat and stability at second base. However, he did commit 16 errors, raising some questions about the defense. He does have a solid arm, so could left field be an option? Norby is good when on base too; he’s able to steal a couple bags even with modest speed. Overall, he has the tools to make the majors and contribute, the Orioles just have to find a way to add him into the mix of their major league roster. (@aj_greene1015)
Tier 3
7. Dylan Beavers, OF, 22, Double-A
In any other system Beavers is a top five guy. He plays very good outfield defense, is stealing bases at an above average clip, and has above average raw power. If he puts it altogether there could be a .260 hitter with 20/20 potential. If he is able to stay in centerfield, he could be a star. (@JMahyfam)
8. Joey Ortiz, SS, 25, MLB
Ortiz is a nice middle infield prospect stuck in the wrong system. That is definitely not a knock on Baltimore, they are just built to compete now and loaded with talent in the infield. Ortiz has a great feel to hit and could put up double digit home runs and stolen bases if given regular at-bats. Unfortunately, that will likely require a trade to come to fruition. (@JMahyfam)
9. Enrique Bradfield Jr., OF, 22, High-A
With recent rules changes limiting pick offs and increasing base size, baseball saw a dramatic jump in stolen bases throughout the game. With those changes, Bradfield becomes even more valuable than he would have been before, as he has some of the best speed in the game and incredible instincts on the bases. He is not just a weapon on the bases, he has Gold Glove upside as a center fielder and a legit hit tool. Power will never be a part of his game and his arm in the outfield is well below average, but the athleticism and ability to get on base will more than make up for that. He is an old-school game changer that just may be coming back into style. (@ShaunKernahan)
10. Cade Povich, LHP, 23, Triple-A
Povich isn’t a name you think of when discussing the top pitching prospects across the minor leagues, but he’s sneaky good and should be claimed immediately in any dynasty league if he’s available. Sometimes numbers don’t tell the whole story as his 2023 5.04 ERA and 1.36 WHIP may suggest, but he puts batters away and that’s the name of the game today. His strikeout numbers are elite, with an 11.7 K/9 in 2022, and 12.2 K/9 in 2023 (171 K in 106 IP). Names like Irvin, Zimmermann and Heasley might be ahead of him on some depth charts, but I’ll hedge my bets on Povich locking down a spot in the O’s rotation sooner than later. (@Scotty_Ballgame)
11. Chayce McDermott, RHP, 25, Triple-A
McDermott has made an impression on the organization in a short period of time. He was acquired from Houston at the 2022 trade deadline and one year later was named Orioles minor league pitcher of the year. This came after striking out 152 in 119 innings with a 1.15 WHIP between Double-A and Triple-A. This guy is one to keep an eye on and could be pitching in Baltimore by the end of 2024. (@JMahyfam)
12. Jud Fabian, OF, 23, Double-A
Fabian and the Boston Red Sox failed to reach an agreement after he was selected 40th overall in 2021, so he returned to college and was selected 67th overall in 2022 by their division rival Orioles. He brings true plus power from the right side of the plate but, naturally, he does strike out a lot too. Despite that, he has hit 27 home runs in his first 142 pro games and finds himself on base at a decent clip. While he is a power first player, there is more athleticism than you expect and he has seen the majority of his time in the field come in center, where he is a quality defender. (@ShaunKernahan)
13. Mac Horvath, 3B/2B, 22, High-A
Let’s get the concerns out of the way. Horvath has a stiffer swing who takes big hacks in all counts and situations and will strike out a ton. On top of that, he isn’t the greatest fielder and may not be able to stick at third, so a move to first may be required at some point. All that said, he still oozes tools. The power in the bat is real and he has shown the ability to sit on breaking balls and destroy them. He has plenty of speed and a plus arm, so while first may be a possibility in the future, a move to right field might suit him quite well. (@ShaunKernahan)
Tier 4
14. Seth Johnson, RHP, 25, Double-A
15. Max Wagner, 3B/2B, 22, Double-A
16. Braylin Tavera, OF, 18, Rookie (FCL)
17. Creed Willems, C/1B, 20, High-A
18. Jean Pinto, RHP, 23, Double-A
19. Frederick Bencosme, SS/2B, 21, High-A
20. Hudson Haskin, OF, 25, Triple-A
21. Leandro Arias, SS/2B, 18, Rookie (FCL)
22. Trace Bright, RHP, 23, Double-A
23. Alex Pham, RHP, 24, Double-A
24. Justin Armbruester, RHP, 25, Triple-A
25. Luis De León, LHP, 20, Single-A
26. Carter Baumler, RHP, 22, Single-A
Johnson could continue to develop into a back of the rotation starter if he doesn’t end up a solid reliever with his stuff. Wagner bounced back after a dismal 2022 showing pop and good speed. Tavera has a great eye at the plate for someone so young with a chance to develop some power as he matures. Willems has great power and takes a walk and could be a solid catcher in the majors as he gets more at bats. Pinto looked solid this season and could be a backend rotation type. Bencosme has limited power but some speed and could be a utility player. Haskin had some injuries which shortened his season but he has good speed and improving power at the plate. Arias was an international signee who looked much better at the plate in 2023 after a down year in 2022. Bright has pitched well, and if he can work a little more on his command may see some starts for the major league team later this season. Pham can throw five pitches with solid command. De Leon looks more like a reliever than a starter. Baumler hasn’t pitched much since Tommy John surgery, so it’ll be interesting to see how he does this season fully healthy. (@tonybps1)
Tier 5
27. John Rhodes, OF, 23, Double-A
28. Edgar Portes, RHP, 21, High-A
29. Jackson Baumeister, RHP, 21, College
30. Jesús Palacios, RHP, 18, Rookie (DSL)
31. Jalen Vasquez, SS, 22, Single-A
32. Jordan Sanchez, OF, 18, International signee
33. Noah Denoyer, RHP, 25, Triple-A
34. Matthew Etzel, OF, 21, High-A
35. Aneudis Mordán, C/1B, 19, Single-A
36. Billy Cook, OF/2B, 25, Double-A
37. Kiefer Lord, RHP, 21, Rookie (FCL)
38. Juan Nuñez, RHP, 23, High-A
39. Luis Almeyda, SS, 17, Rookie (DSL)
40. Tavian Josenberger, OF, 22, Single-A
41. Thomas Sosa, OF, 19, Rookie (FCL)
42. Levi Wells, RHP, 22, College
43. Maikol Hernández, SS/3B, 20, Rookie (FCL)
44. Ryan Long, RHP, 24, Double-A
45. Jake Cunningham, OF, 21, Single-A
46. Cameron Weston, RHP, 23, High-A
47. Stiven Acevedo, OF, 21, Single-A
48. Fernando Peguero, SS/2B, 19, Rookie (DSL)
49. Deivy Cruz, LHP, 19, Single-A
50. Joshua Liranzo, 3B, 17, Rookie (DSL)
Rhodes struggled with strikeouts in AA but hit 17 home runs. Baumeister could be a mid-rotation type as he gets more innings in the minors. Palacios looked much better in his second year of rookie ball. Vasquez was the team’s 20th pick in last year’s draft and didn’t look overmatched at the plate. Sanchez was one of the top international prospects with his solid power and contact ability at the plate. Etzel is a fast outfielder who can get on base. Mordán could develop into a backup catcher with potential for more with his power and great eye at the plate. Cook could be a late-bloomer at 25 years old and his versatility can get him some looks at a bench player. Almeyda has some good tools but is only 17 years-old with only 58 at bats under his belt for now. Sosa has very good power with a chance to be a solid outfielder in the majors if all goes well. Hernández has struggled at the plate the last three seasons. Cunningham has some good power and plate discipline and could be a solid outfielder. (@tonybps1)
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Adam Greene is a Sport Management and Marketing double major at UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management. His main focus is sport marketing, where he's already had internships with the local Westfield Starfires and Springfield Thunderbirds. He now writes for the Cape Cod Baseball League. From Longmeadow, MA, Adam is a huge Red Sox fan and has been following the team his whole life. When Covid hit, he started paying a lot more attention to the Red Sox minor league teams, and now, follows them almost as much as the big league squad. 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 in real life. Huge Bruce Springsteen and pro wrestling fan. Along with his wife and two boys, lives in Longmeadow, MA. Follow on Twitter at @Scotty_Ballgame.
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.
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
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Jeremy Mahyhttps://www.prospects1500.com/author/athletics006/
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Jeremy Mahyhttps://www.prospects1500.com/author/athletics006/
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Jeremy Mahyhttps://www.prospects1500.com/author/athletics006/
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Jeremy Mahyhttps://www.prospects1500.com/author/athletics006/
Why was DL Hall left off the list?
Probably should have been on the list, but MLB Pipeline also didn’t have him on their end of season Orioles list either. Let’s see if he shows up on the Brewers list once Pipeline releases their preseason Top 30.