Not one name on this list matters as much as the sentence that follows this one.
In 2022 Adley Rutschman, Kyle Stowers, Gunnar Henderson, DL Hall, Terrin Vavra & Grayson Rodriguez went from minor league performers to big league ready. They all have left prospect lists for good and are now expected to be impact players at the sport’s highest level.
Credit goes to the Orioles front office and development staffs for laying the foundation for the future. Outstanding drafts and shrewd deals have brought in even more skilled players to build with. The next crop of talent is rising fast in its own right with 2021 draftees Connor Norby and Colton Cowser already thriving at AAA Norfolk. For the last few seasons the organization has held the top spot among minor league systems & maintaining that with all the graduations will be difficult. This list represents the players who’ll be taking on that challenge starting this off-season.
I’m putting Coby Mayo at the top spot, despite others showing better stat lines at higher levels. There’s just too much power progression in his profile to look past. I truly believe that if any batter can normalize triple digit exit velocities that it’s him.
This list is one opinion based on talent, upside & ability to help the organization. I’m open for debate or discussion on any selection. An observation to not overlook is that there’s projectable pitching skill in every tier which is still somewhat new to Orioles supporters. For example, LHP Juan Rojas acquired from Minnesota in the Jorge Lopez trade was born in 2004, has WHIP below 1 and a k/9 of over 11 for his young career. Rojas is in the last group.
Coby Mayo
Connor Norby
Colton Cowser
Jean Pinto-RHP
Drew Rom-LHP
Seth Johnson-RHP
Cade Povich-LHP
Ryan Watson-RHP
Chayce McDermott-LHP
Deivy Cruz-LHP
Zach Peek-RHP
Carlos Tavera-RHP
Donta Williams
Trace Bright-RHP
Carter Baumler-RHP
Brandon Young-RHP
Isaac DeLeon
Juan Rojas-LHP
Kyle Brnovich-RHP
Zach Showalter-RHP
Peter Van Loon-RHP
Dylan Heid-RHP
