From Jeff Sanders' 2/7/2025 BA article Leodalis De Vries Impresses Padres With Maturity Heading Into Second Pro Season:
It will be hard for Leodalis De Vries to top his first calendar year as a professional, but the Padres will certainly give him the opportunity.
The 18-year-old switch-hitting shortstop headlines the organization’s list of non-roster invitees to big league spring training.
De Vries attending big league camp—as Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Merrill and Ethan Salas did as teenagers coming off breakout minor league seasons—is about getting him comfortable in the environment and furthering his baseball education.
“When you look at everything he went through from signing on Jan. 15, 2024,” Padres assistant farm director Mike Daly said, “there were a number of positives from Leo and definitely a lot of learning for him. Certainly the organization is really proud of how he handled everything and how he performed.
“He grew a ton.”
Had a lot thrown at him, too.
De Vries opened 2024 at Low-A Lake Elsinore as the youngest player in the California League. He scuffled out of the gate before a power surge took root and he closed the season on a .275/.400/.563 tear that included 11 home runs in his last 40 games.
De Vries suffered a left shoulder injury early in the season and a right rotator cuff strain later that ended his season in mid August. In October, he participated in the Arizona Fall League, where he was the youngest to go deep since Bryce Harper in 2010.
While there weren’t specific swing changes that led to De Vries’ uptick, the Padres attribute the gains in his walk rate (12% to 16% from the first half to second) and strikeout rate (28% to 18%) to his own baseball IQ and his confidence playing against older competition.
That practice started well before the Padres signed him for $4.2 million out of the Dominican Republic last winter, and it figures to continue as De Vries heads to High-A Fort Wayne for his second full year of pro ball.
“Really talented and smart players,” Daly said, “as they get experience and learn, they make adjustments.”
Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
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Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From Keith Law of the Athletic's San Diego Padres Top 20 Prospects:
2. Leodalis De Vries, SS (No. 31 on the top 100)
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 183 | Bats: S | Throws: R | Age: 18
De Vries signed last January for $4.2 million, the second-biggest bonus in the 2024 international free agent class, and the Padres were unusually aggressive with him — who am I kidding, they always do this — in sending him not to the DSL, not to the Arizona League, but to Low A, making him the only 17-year-old regular anywhere in full-season ball last year. He more than held his own, hitting .237/.361/.441 with a very respectable 23.3 percent strikeout rate that was slightly better than the Cal League average. He has a real knack for centering the ball and as he gets stronger his batting average is going to climb very quickly, since he already has the contact skills. He knows the strike zone extremely well for someone so young, and he rarely misses fastballs; he had more trouble with other pitch types, unsurprising given his complete lack of prior experience anywhere in pro ball, but didn’t panic with two strikes and only swung and missed slightly more often in those spots. His regular season ended in mid-August when he strained his right shoulder on a diving play, but in a sign that the injury wasn’t too serious, the Padres sent him to the Arizona Fall League, where he was, of course, the youngest player.
He turned 18 in October, so he’s younger than some high school players who’ll be drafted on Day 1 this upcoming July. De Vries was already showing signs of adjustments when he got hurt, cutting his whiff and chase rates on various pitch types in the second half, and he has barely begun to grow into his 6-2 (actual height) frame. He’s got a chance to stick at shortstop, he’s a plus runner, and he might end up with 20+ homer power. Give him a full, healthy year along with the benefit of all the experience he got in 2024 and he might be a top-10 prospect by next January.
8. Humberto Cruz, RHP
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 170 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 18
Cruz signed last February for a $750,000 bonus, then threw two innings last summer around some minor injury stuff — but they were good innings, 92-97 with an average slider, and the whole operation is pretty easy. He has pitched in some big international tournaments for his native Mexico, and showed good control and a repeatable delivery. It’s all just sort of a big unknown until he’s got more than two pro innings under his belt.
19. Juan Nuñez, RHP
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 190 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 24
Nuñez barely pitched in 2024 due to a shoulder injury that ended his season in May, so the Orioles didn’t add him to their 40-man roster and the Padres selected him in the Rule 5 draft. He was off to a great start in a long relief/tandem role for High-A Aberdeen, mostly going four-to-five innings per outing, with a mid-90s fastball and a plus slider, although he’s small and there’s effort to the delivery that all point to a relief upside. I don’t know if he’ll throw enough strikes for the Padres to carry him all year, even if he’s healthy, but as a prospect he’s a potentially above-average reliever in time.
2. Leodalis De Vries, SS (No. 31 on the top 100)
Height: 6-0 | Weight: 183 | Bats: S | Throws: R | Age: 18
De Vries signed last January for $4.2 million, the second-biggest bonus in the 2024 international free agent class, and the Padres were unusually aggressive with him — who am I kidding, they always do this — in sending him not to the DSL, not to the Arizona League, but to Low A, making him the only 17-year-old regular anywhere in full-season ball last year. He more than held his own, hitting .237/.361/.441 with a very respectable 23.3 percent strikeout rate that was slightly better than the Cal League average. He has a real knack for centering the ball and as he gets stronger his batting average is going to climb very quickly, since he already has the contact skills. He knows the strike zone extremely well for someone so young, and he rarely misses fastballs; he had more trouble with other pitch types, unsurprising given his complete lack of prior experience anywhere in pro ball, but didn’t panic with two strikes and only swung and missed slightly more often in those spots. His regular season ended in mid-August when he strained his right shoulder on a diving play, but in a sign that the injury wasn’t too serious, the Padres sent him to the Arizona Fall League, where he was, of course, the youngest player.
He turned 18 in October, so he’s younger than some high school players who’ll be drafted on Day 1 this upcoming July. De Vries was already showing signs of adjustments when he got hurt, cutting his whiff and chase rates on various pitch types in the second half, and he has barely begun to grow into his 6-2 (actual height) frame. He’s got a chance to stick at shortstop, he’s a plus runner, and he might end up with 20+ homer power. Give him a full, healthy year along with the benefit of all the experience he got in 2024 and he might be a top-10 prospect by next January.
8. Humberto Cruz, RHP
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 170 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 18
Cruz signed last February for a $750,000 bonus, then threw two innings last summer around some minor injury stuff — but they were good innings, 92-97 with an average slider, and the whole operation is pretty easy. He has pitched in some big international tournaments for his native Mexico, and showed good control and a repeatable delivery. It’s all just sort of a big unknown until he’s got more than two pro innings under his belt.
19. Juan Nuñez, RHP
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 190 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 24
Nuñez barely pitched in 2024 due to a shoulder injury that ended his season in May, so the Orioles didn’t add him to their 40-man roster and the Padres selected him in the Rule 5 draft. He was off to a great start in a long relief/tandem role for High-A Aberdeen, mostly going four-to-five innings per outing, with a mid-90s fastball and a plus slider, although he’s small and there’s effort to the delivery that all point to a relief upside. I don’t know if he’ll throw enough strikes for the Padres to carry him all year, even if he’s healthy, but as a prospect he’s a potentially above-average reliever in time.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From Keith Law of the Athletic's 2025 Diamondbacks Top 20 Prospects:
11. Yu-Min Lin, LHP
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 160 | Bats: L | Throws: L | Age: 21
Lin’s 2024 was interrupted when a foul ball hit him in the face, fracturing his jaw and requiring surgery, although somehow he was back in less than two months. He still has a gigantic pitch mix, with a four-seamer, sinker, cutter, slider, curve, and a screwball-like changeup, nothing plus, and may benefit from just picking three pitches that work and using them more. He sits 90-92 and touches 94, with the changeup and curveball generating the most whiffs, throwing strikes from a funky delivery that he repeats very well. There may not be the out-pitch he’d need to be more than a fifth starter; simplifying the pitch mix, however, might help him refine any of his 79 weapons to make it one.
11. Yu-Min Lin, LHP
Height: 5-11 | Weight: 160 | Bats: L | Throws: L | Age: 21
Lin’s 2024 was interrupted when a foul ball hit him in the face, fracturing his jaw and requiring surgery, although somehow he was back in less than two months. He still has a gigantic pitch mix, with a four-seamer, sinker, cutter, slider, curve, and a screwball-like changeup, nothing plus, and may benefit from just picking three pitches that work and using them more. He sits 90-92 and touches 94, with the changeup and curveball generating the most whiffs, throwing strikes from a funky delivery that he repeats very well. There may not be the out-pitch he’d need to be more than a fifth starter; simplifying the pitch mix, however, might help him refine any of his 79 weapons to make it one.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From Keith Law of the Athletic's 2025 Reds Top 20 Prospects:
4. Cam Collier, 3B (No. 83 on the top 100)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 210 | Bats: L | Throws: R | Age: 20
Collier’s 2024 season was a mixture of some very good stuff and some bad as well, as he mashed as a 19-year-old in High A but also showed up way bigger than he had the year before and he needs to get his conditioning under control. He was one of only nine teenagers to play all of 2024 at High A or above, only turning 20 in November, and hit .248/.355/.443 with 20 homers, tying for second in homers in the Midwest League behind a 23-year-old. He continued to improve his swing decisions, cutting way down on his chase rate from 2023 and picking up pitch types better, even as he was very young for his level. The bad is that Collier has let his body get away from him, as he’s gotten so heavy that he might end up at first base, which is a waste of his athleticism and raises concerns about his makeup and work ethic. There’s just no reason for a 19-year-old with his frame to get this heavy — he’s listed at 210, but I’d guess he’s closer to 240 — this soon. His 30-homer upside would still make him a regular at first or DH, and he will probably end up with 60+ walks a year. He’s more valuable at third base, of course, with a strong enough arm for it, and he’s also going to put himself at risk of back and knee problems if he doesn’t manage his size.
5. Sal Stewart, 3B/2B (No. 100 on the top 100)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 215 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 21
Stewart moved up to High A last year and hit .279/.391/454 in 80 games for Dayton as a 20-year-old before suffering an “off-field” injury, tearing a tendon in his wrist. It required surgery and ended his season. He continues to show a very advanced approach, recognizing all pitch types and commanding the strike zone, and has tweaked his swing since he first signed to hit far more line drives and fewer groundballs. He had a 27.8 percent line-drive rate in 2024, which would have ranked third in the Midwest League if he’d qualified, and he makes hard contact, just without enough loft or huge exit velocities to put the ball in the seats. It’s a short path to the ball with some lift to it, but with more doubles power that puts a lot of line drives into the gaps. I don’t think he’s got the projection left to end up a 20-homer guy, but he has a reputation as both a hard worker and a guy who likes to work out, so I wouldn’t say it’s impossible. He’s a fringy defender at third and played some second as well in 2024, probably a 45 defender at either spot, with first base the default option if he can’t stay elsewhere on the dirt. The worst-case scenario is he’s a 10-homer first baseman with above-average OBPs, a regular on some teams but not all; the best-case one is where he sticks at third, gets stronger for 20+ homers, and has OBPs close to .400 … which would probably make him an MVP candidate, now that I spell it out.
8. Alfredo Duno, C
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 210 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 19
Duno can hit already, with good command of the strike zone and the potential for plus power, and he got off to a great start as an 18-year-old in Low A last year before a broken rib ended his season in May. He’s really, really big for his age, though, close to 260 pounds already, and he’s going to outgrow catcher if he hasn’t already. I’d bet on first base or DH at this point, and while he may very well have the offensive projection to profile as a regular or better at those spots, the odds of him catching are close to nil, so he absolutely has to hit — and not get too much bigger from here, either.
4. Cam Collier, 3B (No. 83 on the top 100)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 210 | Bats: L | Throws: R | Age: 20
Collier’s 2024 season was a mixture of some very good stuff and some bad as well, as he mashed as a 19-year-old in High A but also showed up way bigger than he had the year before and he needs to get his conditioning under control. He was one of only nine teenagers to play all of 2024 at High A or above, only turning 20 in November, and hit .248/.355/.443 with 20 homers, tying for second in homers in the Midwest League behind a 23-year-old. He continued to improve his swing decisions, cutting way down on his chase rate from 2023 and picking up pitch types better, even as he was very young for his level. The bad is that Collier has let his body get away from him, as he’s gotten so heavy that he might end up at first base, which is a waste of his athleticism and raises concerns about his makeup and work ethic. There’s just no reason for a 19-year-old with his frame to get this heavy — he’s listed at 210, but I’d guess he’s closer to 240 — this soon. His 30-homer upside would still make him a regular at first or DH, and he will probably end up with 60+ walks a year. He’s more valuable at third base, of course, with a strong enough arm for it, and he’s also going to put himself at risk of back and knee problems if he doesn’t manage his size.
5. Sal Stewart, 3B/2B (No. 100 on the top 100)
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 215 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 21
Stewart moved up to High A last year and hit .279/.391/454 in 80 games for Dayton as a 20-year-old before suffering an “off-field” injury, tearing a tendon in his wrist. It required surgery and ended his season. He continues to show a very advanced approach, recognizing all pitch types and commanding the strike zone, and has tweaked his swing since he first signed to hit far more line drives and fewer groundballs. He had a 27.8 percent line-drive rate in 2024, which would have ranked third in the Midwest League if he’d qualified, and he makes hard contact, just without enough loft or huge exit velocities to put the ball in the seats. It’s a short path to the ball with some lift to it, but with more doubles power that puts a lot of line drives into the gaps. I don’t think he’s got the projection left to end up a 20-homer guy, but he has a reputation as both a hard worker and a guy who likes to work out, so I wouldn’t say it’s impossible. He’s a fringy defender at third and played some second as well in 2024, probably a 45 defender at either spot, with first base the default option if he can’t stay elsewhere on the dirt. The worst-case scenario is he’s a 10-homer first baseman with above-average OBPs, a regular on some teams but not all; the best-case one is where he sticks at third, gets stronger for 20+ homers, and has OBPs close to .400 … which would probably make him an MVP candidate, now that I spell it out.
8. Alfredo Duno, C
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 210 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 19
Duno can hit already, with good command of the strike zone and the potential for plus power, and he got off to a great start as an 18-year-old in Low A last year before a broken rib ended his season in May. He’s really, really big for his age, though, close to 260 pounds already, and he’s going to outgrow catcher if he hasn’t already. I’d bet on first base or DH at this point, and while he may very well have the offensive projection to profile as a regular or better at those spots, the odds of him catching are close to nil, so he absolutely has to hit — and not get too much bigger from here, either.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From Keith Law of the Athletic's Nationals 2025 Top 20 Prospects:
7. Alex Clemmey, LHP
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 205 | Bats: L | Throws: L | Age: 19
Acquired from Cleveland with José Tena and Rafael Ramirez Jr. in the Lane Thomas trade, Clemmey is a big, athletic lefty who has a chance for two plus pitches but right now has 40 control. He was up to 100 as an amateur with a violent delivery, working more 93-95 mph last year after Cleveland tried to reduce some of that effort so he could throw more strikes. His mid-80s slider is a 55 and could end up plus if he was more consistent with it, while his changeup is still a work in progress that he’ll have to throw more this year. He has huge upside in the rotation, with no real floor given his walk rates to date (16.1 percent last year), meaning there’s a chance he doesn’t see the majors at all.
7. Alex Clemmey, LHP
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 205 | Bats: L | Throws: L | Age: 19
Acquired from Cleveland with José Tena and Rafael Ramirez Jr. in the Lane Thomas trade, Clemmey is a big, athletic lefty who has a chance for two plus pitches but right now has 40 control. He was up to 100 as an amateur with a violent delivery, working more 93-95 mph last year after Cleveland tried to reduce some of that effort so he could throw more strikes. His mid-80s slider is a 55 and could end up plus if he was more consistent with it, while his changeup is still a work in progress that he’ll have to throw more this year. He has huge upside in the rotation, with no real floor given his walk rates to date (16.1 percent last year), meaning there’s a chance he doesn’t see the majors at all.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From Keith Law of the Athletic's Phillies 2025 Top 20 Prospects:
7. Moisés Chace, RHP
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 213 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 22
The Phillies picked up Chace in the trade that sent Gregory Soto to the Orioles, to which point the Venezuelan righty had had an unremarkable season in High A, striking out a ton of guys (34.2 percent) but walking too many (13.5 percent) while bouncing from starting to relief. After the trade, he took off, throwing more strikes and working with more intent, especially with his hard-to-hit four-seamer. He missed more bats and walked fewer guys, punching out 48 with just 10 walks in 28 1/3 innings between High A and Double A. He made four starts at the higher level, including one where he struck out 10 in 4 2/3 innings and another where he struck out 13 in six one-hit innings. The stuff didn’t change, but the plan did, and the Phillies might have just found another starter prospect.
7. Moisés Chace, RHP
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 213 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 22
The Phillies picked up Chace in the trade that sent Gregory Soto to the Orioles, to which point the Venezuelan righty had had an unremarkable season in High A, striking out a ton of guys (34.2 percent) but walking too many (13.5 percent) while bouncing from starting to relief. After the trade, he took off, throwing more strikes and working with more intent, especially with his hard-to-hit four-seamer. He missed more bats and walked fewer guys, punching out 48 with just 10 walks in 28 1/3 innings between High A and Double A. He made four starts at the higher level, including one where he struck out 10 in 4 2/3 innings and another where he struck out 13 in six one-hit innings. The stuff didn’t change, but the plan did, and the Phillies might have just found another starter prospect.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From Keith Law of the Athletic's Braves 2025 Top 20 Prospects:
2. Cam Caminiti, LHP
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 195 | Bats: L | Throws: L | Age: 18
Atlanta’s first-round pick last year, Caminiti is an ultra-athletic lefty who’s been up to 97 with a plus changeup that might be a 70 and a much-improved breaking ball that went from a non-factor this time last year to maybe an above-average pitch. His delivery is very good and repeatable, more online to the plate now than it was when he was younger, and he has a lot of projection left to gain some strength and become a durable starter toward the top of a rotation. There’s just a lot of variance with any 18-year-old pitcher, so he remains a high-risk prospect, even though he has a lot of factors in his favor.
14. John Gil, SS
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 175 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 19
Gil hails from the Dominican Republic and made his U.S. debut last year, hitting .286/.403/.389 as an 18-year-old in the FCL and then .204/.298/256 in Low A. He’s a 70 runner and potential plus defender at short who has an excellent eye at the plate, rarely expanding the zone and almost never missing a fastball. He shows some bat speed, so he was able to get to plus velocity and put it in play; he just doesn’t have the strength yet to do anything with it. He’s 6-1 with room to grow, and actually started the year at age 17, so he was really young for Low A. He’s one to watch in their low minors.
2. Cam Caminiti, LHP
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 195 | Bats: L | Throws: L | Age: 18
Atlanta’s first-round pick last year, Caminiti is an ultra-athletic lefty who’s been up to 97 with a plus changeup that might be a 70 and a much-improved breaking ball that went from a non-factor this time last year to maybe an above-average pitch. His delivery is very good and repeatable, more online to the plate now than it was when he was younger, and he has a lot of projection left to gain some strength and become a durable starter toward the top of a rotation. There’s just a lot of variance with any 18-year-old pitcher, so he remains a high-risk prospect, even though he has a lot of factors in his favor.
14. John Gil, SS
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 175 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 19
Gil hails from the Dominican Republic and made his U.S. debut last year, hitting .286/.403/.389 as an 18-year-old in the FCL and then .204/.298/256 in Low A. He’s a 70 runner and potential plus defender at short who has an excellent eye at the plate, rarely expanding the zone and almost never missing a fastball. He shows some bat speed, so he was able to get to plus velocity and put it in play; he just doesn’t have the strength yet to do anything with it. He’s 6-1 with room to grow, and actually started the year at age 17, so he was really young for Low A. He’s one to watch in their low minors.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From Keith Law of the Athletic's Angels 2025 Top 20 Prospects:
8. Joswa Lugo, SS
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 187 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 18
Lugo signed last January for $2.3 million and he debuted in the DSL last year, striking out just under 25 percent of the time and flashing some of his power upside, hitting .301/.370/.466. He has a loose, easy swing with a lot of room to get stronger, potentially a 25-homer bat if everything clicks. Like a lot of teenaged hitters, he likes fastballs and has to learn to pick up different pitch types, especially breaking stuff. He’s not a runner and there’s a good chance he outgrows shortstop, although we have seen some bigger-bodied shortstops with his frame, like Carlos Correa. He’ll come to the U.S. this year and should show where his hit tool is with his performance in the ACL — assuming the Angels don’t just promote him to Double A.
8. Joswa Lugo, SS
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 187 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 18
Lugo signed last January for $2.3 million and he debuted in the DSL last year, striking out just under 25 percent of the time and flashing some of his power upside, hitting .301/.370/.466. He has a loose, easy swing with a lot of room to get stronger, potentially a 25-homer bat if everything clicks. Like a lot of teenaged hitters, he likes fastballs and has to learn to pick up different pitch types, especially breaking stuff. He’s not a runner and there’s a good chance he outgrows shortstop, although we have seen some bigger-bodied shortstops with his frame, like Carlos Correa. He’ll come to the U.S. this year and should show where his hit tool is with his performance in the ACL — assuming the Angels don’t just promote him to Double A.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From Keith Law of the Athletic's Blue Jays 2025 Top 20 Prospects:
14. Brandon Barriera, LHP
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 180 | Bats: L | Throws: L | Age: 21
Barriera was the Jays’ first-round pick in 2022 but showed up extremely out of shape in 2023 and had a miserable year as a result. He cleaned his body up and looked tremendous in spring training last year, only to have his UCL tear and require Tommy John surgery with the internal brace as well. Way back when, in the spring of ’22, he was up to 98 and would show a plus curve and plus changeup, needing more work on command and control than any aspect of the repertoire. His velocity was down in the 20 innings he pitched in 2023, then back up last spring before the injury. I have no idea what to expect from him when he returns, which could be this summer since he had the procedure last April.
14. Brandon Barriera, LHP
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 180 | Bats: L | Throws: L | Age: 21
Barriera was the Jays’ first-round pick in 2022 but showed up extremely out of shape in 2023 and had a miserable year as a result. He cleaned his body up and looked tremendous in spring training last year, only to have his UCL tear and require Tommy John surgery with the internal brace as well. Way back when, in the spring of ’22, he was up to 98 and would show a plus curve and plus changeup, needing more work on command and control than any aspect of the repertoire. His velocity was down in the 20 innings he pitched in 2023, then back up last spring before the injury. I have no idea what to expect from him when he returns, which could be this summer since he had the procedure last April.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From Keith Law of the Athletic's Rays 2025 Top 20 Prospects:
1. Carson Williams, SS (No. 8 on the top 100)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 180 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 22
Williams is the most enigmatic prospect in the minors to me: He does absolutely everything you’d want a position-player prospect to do, except he strikes out way too often — he does all of those other things despite a 28.5 percent strikeout rate in Double A last year that should be, if not disqualifying, a major demerit on his scouting report. Williams is a plus defender at short with an easy plus arm. He has 70 speed and shows above-average to plus power, hitting 20 homers for the second year in a row. He doesn’t chase pitches out of the zone much at all — his chase rate last year was 22 percent according to Synergy Sports, which puts him well below the overall MLB rate, but when he does chase, he nearly always whiffs, and he also misses pitches in the zone more than you’d like. It’s a decision issue rather than a mechanical one, but Williams performs so well in spite of the whiffs that changing his approach risks taking away some of the production as well.
His 2024 season may also undersell his abilities, as he was hit on the hand by a pitch in June, missed just six days, and wasn’t the same hitter afterward. He was hitting .294/.376/.552 with a 27.1 percent strikeout rate at the time of the injury, then hit .220/.324/.382 with a 29.4 percent strikeout rate after his return, which makes me suspect he was more hurt than he let on and just played through it. At worst, he’s a shortstop with plus power, defense, and baserunning value who might just hit for a lower average because of the strikeouts. That’s a 4-WAR player in a full season because of the value of the position, and I wouldn’t rule out him getting beyond that with even tiny adjustments to his swing choices.
1. Carson Williams, SS (No. 8 on the top 100)
Height: 6-2 | Weight: 180 | Bats: R | Throws: R | Age: 22
Williams is the most enigmatic prospect in the minors to me: He does absolutely everything you’d want a position-player prospect to do, except he strikes out way too often — he does all of those other things despite a 28.5 percent strikeout rate in Double A last year that should be, if not disqualifying, a major demerit on his scouting report. Williams is a plus defender at short with an easy plus arm. He has 70 speed and shows above-average to plus power, hitting 20 homers for the second year in a row. He doesn’t chase pitches out of the zone much at all — his chase rate last year was 22 percent according to Synergy Sports, which puts him well below the overall MLB rate, but when he does chase, he nearly always whiffs, and he also misses pitches in the zone more than you’d like. It’s a decision issue rather than a mechanical one, but Williams performs so well in spite of the whiffs that changing his approach risks taking away some of the production as well.
His 2024 season may also undersell his abilities, as he was hit on the hand by a pitch in June, missed just six days, and wasn’t the same hitter afterward. He was hitting .294/.376/.552 with a 27.1 percent strikeout rate at the time of the injury, then hit .220/.324/.382 with a 29.4 percent strikeout rate after his return, which makes me suspect he was more hurt than he let on and just played through it. At worst, he’s a shortstop with plus power, defense, and baserunning value who might just hit for a lower average because of the strikeouts. That’s a 4-WAR player in a full season because of the value of the position, and I wouldn’t rule out him getting beyond that with even tiny adjustments to his swing choices.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From Keith Law of the Athletic's Orioles 2025 Top 20 Prospects:
12. Leandro Arias, SS
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 155 | Bats: S | Throws: R | Age: 20
Arias didn’t do much in his full-season debut, hitting .213/.313/.291, but he was really undersized and just got physically overmatched by pitching there. It wasn’t a lack of skill, but a lack of strength, and he should get a lot stronger from here. He’s a switch-hitter with a great left-handed swing, showing quick hands and excellent bat speed, but obviously not much power at this point. More strength might also help him keep the bat in the zone longer to improve his contact quality. His hands and actions are good enough to project him to stay at shortstop, although the O’s have played him at second as well. They pushed him to High-A Aberdeen for 20 games at the end of the summer and he hit marginally better there, probably to prepare him to start 2025 at the higher level. I hope he either added a lot of strength this winter or that they’re prepared to give him a long runway there before introducing him to Double A. There’s more here than the stat line implies.
Others of note
Outfielder Stiven Martinez is extremely young, signing for $950,000 last January and turning 17 in August, and already shows above-average power with the potential for 25+ homer upside. It’s a good swing and lets him drive the ball to all fields, although right now it’s more power than hit, something that’s reflected in his 30 percent strikeout rate in the DSL. He mostly played center in the Dominican but is going to end up in right field, as he has the arm strength for it.
12. Leandro Arias, SS
Height: 6-1 | Weight: 155 | Bats: S | Throws: R | Age: 20
Arias didn’t do much in his full-season debut, hitting .213/.313/.291, but he was really undersized and just got physically overmatched by pitching there. It wasn’t a lack of skill, but a lack of strength, and he should get a lot stronger from here. He’s a switch-hitter with a great left-handed swing, showing quick hands and excellent bat speed, but obviously not much power at this point. More strength might also help him keep the bat in the zone longer to improve his contact quality. His hands and actions are good enough to project him to stay at shortstop, although the O’s have played him at second as well. They pushed him to High-A Aberdeen for 20 games at the end of the summer and he hit marginally better there, probably to prepare him to start 2025 at the higher level. I hope he either added a lot of strength this winter or that they’re prepared to give him a long runway there before introducing him to Double A. There’s more here than the stat line implies.
Others of note
Outfielder Stiven Martinez is extremely young, signing for $950,000 last January and turning 17 in August, and already shows above-average power with the potential for 25+ homer upside. It’s a good swing and lets him drive the ball to all fields, although right now it’s more power than hit, something that’s reflected in his 30 percent strikeout rate in the DSL. He mostly played center in the Dominican but is going to end up in right field, as he has the arm strength for it.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From BA's Baltimore Orioles 2025 Top 30 Prospects:
18. Leandro Arias, SS
Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 155 | B-T: S-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: Arias signed for $600,000 as one of the Orioles’ top additions in the 2022 international class, one of the first handful the organization had with bonuses that large, and has steadily improved since. He was one of the youngest players in the Carolina League for his full-season debut in 2024 for Low-A Delmarva, and finished the year with a month at High-A Aberdeen.
Scouting Report: While Arias’ offensive results haven’t been overwhelming, he has a sound offensive profile with some projection to it, with the floor at the plate reinforced by his understanding of the strike zone and ability to get on base. Those traits, combined with good contact ability and solid top-end exit velocities, can make for an average hitter with below-average power going forward, with physical gains and some more consistent plane on his swing creating further upside. Defensively, Arias can play a good shortstop and would fare well at second base if he needed to move, with average arm strength. Those up-the-middle skills help reinforce the floor for Arias as he continues to gain experience at the plate and works to more consistently impact the ball in games.
The Future: Even without any standout tools, Arias’ athletic, up-the-middle profile is the kind that everyday big leaguers are made of, provided his bat catches up to the rest. He’ll start at High-A Aberdeen in 2025.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50.
19. Stiven Martinez, OF
Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 185 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: Martinez was one of the Orioles’ highest-paid signees of the 2024 international class, signing for $950,000. He jumped right into action in the Dominican Summer League, playing a decent amount of the season at age 16, with 13 extra-base hits and a good walk rate to show for his pro debut.
Scouting Report: Martinez has the raw inputs for a slugging, middle-of-the-order type bat. His hard-hit rate of 49.6% was among the best in the organization. He shows a precocious ability to drive the ball and do damage at a young age when he connects. Martinez has a fine approach at the plate but also real swing-and-miss concerns, including a 32.9% miss rate in 2024. The Orioles are hoping to iron that out with both experience and physical maturation, which will enhance his body control. Martinez has a power-over-hit profile, and while he’s starting his career in center field, he could find a home in right field as he slows down, where his plus arm would be useful. If he outgrows the outfield, he might have the power to profile at first base.
The Future: Martinez should come stateside in 2025, likely with the Florida Complex League as his assignment, as he looks to make more contact and better demonstrate his significant game power. Continued improvement on his hit tool could provide enough contact to help Martinez be a corner outfield thumper in the major leagues at his peak.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 55 | Run: 40 | Field: 45 | Arm: 60.
18. Leandro Arias, SS
Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 155 | B-T: S-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: Arias signed for $600,000 as one of the Orioles’ top additions in the 2022 international class, one of the first handful the organization had with bonuses that large, and has steadily improved since. He was one of the youngest players in the Carolina League for his full-season debut in 2024 for Low-A Delmarva, and finished the year with a month at High-A Aberdeen.
Scouting Report: While Arias’ offensive results haven’t been overwhelming, he has a sound offensive profile with some projection to it, with the floor at the plate reinforced by his understanding of the strike zone and ability to get on base. Those traits, combined with good contact ability and solid top-end exit velocities, can make for an average hitter with below-average power going forward, with physical gains and some more consistent plane on his swing creating further upside. Defensively, Arias can play a good shortstop and would fare well at second base if he needed to move, with average arm strength. Those up-the-middle skills help reinforce the floor for Arias as he continues to gain experience at the plate and works to more consistently impact the ball in games.
The Future: Even without any standout tools, Arias’ athletic, up-the-middle profile is the kind that everyday big leaguers are made of, provided his bat catches up to the rest. He’ll start at High-A Aberdeen in 2025.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 50 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50.
19. Stiven Martinez, OF
Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 185 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: Martinez was one of the Orioles’ highest-paid signees of the 2024 international class, signing for $950,000. He jumped right into action in the Dominican Summer League, playing a decent amount of the season at age 16, with 13 extra-base hits and a good walk rate to show for his pro debut.
Scouting Report: Martinez has the raw inputs for a slugging, middle-of-the-order type bat. His hard-hit rate of 49.6% was among the best in the organization. He shows a precocious ability to drive the ball and do damage at a young age when he connects. Martinez has a fine approach at the plate but also real swing-and-miss concerns, including a 32.9% miss rate in 2024. The Orioles are hoping to iron that out with both experience and physical maturation, which will enhance his body control. Martinez has a power-over-hit profile, and while he’s starting his career in center field, he could find a home in right field as he slows down, where his plus arm would be useful. If he outgrows the outfield, he might have the power to profile at first base.
The Future: Martinez should come stateside in 2025, likely with the Florida Complex League as his assignment, as he looks to make more contact and better demonstrate his significant game power. Continued improvement on his hit tool could provide enough contact to help Martinez be a corner outfield thumper in the major leagues at his peak.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 55 | Run: 40 | Field: 45 | Arm: 60.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From BA's Boston Red Sox 2025 Top 30 Prospects:
22. Dalvinson Reyes, RHP
Ht: 6'5" | Wt: 200 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: Reyes’ physical build at 6-foot-5, 180 pounds already stood out when he signed at 17 years old for $450,000 in 2024. He got off to a great start in his Dominican Summer League debut before missing seven weeks due to general body fatigue and a need for a strengthening program. In total, Reyes threw 17 scoreless innings with 19 strikeouts to just two walks.
Scouting Report: Reyes is huge but shows good body control in his full windup, with a clean delivery, athleticism and a quick arm. His fastball, which was in the mid 80s at the start of the amateur scouting process, sat in the low 90s by the time he signed and topped out at 94 mph in 2024. He had feel for using a changeup, and his slider made meaningful strides to look like a potential weapon. Both have above-average potential. There is an ease and balance to his delivery that is unusual and suggests the ability to attack the zone with control.
The Future: Reyes is still years from the big leagues and faces questions inherent to any young pitcher. Still, he has as much upside as nearly any pitcher in the Red Sox system, and there’s a crystal ball where he becomes a powerful No. 3 or No. 4 starter.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50.
22. Dalvinson Reyes, RHP
Ht: 6'5" | Wt: 200 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: Reyes’ physical build at 6-foot-5, 180 pounds already stood out when he signed at 17 years old for $450,000 in 2024. He got off to a great start in his Dominican Summer League debut before missing seven weeks due to general body fatigue and a need for a strengthening program. In total, Reyes threw 17 scoreless innings with 19 strikeouts to just two walks.
Scouting Report: Reyes is huge but shows good body control in his full windup, with a clean delivery, athleticism and a quick arm. His fastball, which was in the mid 80s at the start of the amateur scouting process, sat in the low 90s by the time he signed and topped out at 94 mph in 2024. He had feel for using a changeup, and his slider made meaningful strides to look like a potential weapon. Both have above-average potential. There is an ease and balance to his delivery that is unusual and suggests the ability to attack the zone with control.
The Future: Reyes is still years from the big leagues and faces questions inherent to any young pitcher. Still, he has as much upside as nearly any pitcher in the Red Sox system, and there’s a crystal ball where he becomes a powerful No. 3 or No. 4 starter.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From BA's Toronto Blue Jays 2025 Top 30 Prospects:
26. Brandon Barriera, LHP
Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 180 | B-T: L-L
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: The Blue Jays selected Barriera with the 23rd overall pick and signed him for $3.6 million. He made his pro debut in May of 2023 after dealing with a shoulder injury in spring training. He made four starts before hitting the injured list with an elbow sprain. Barriera returned in July but after three starts went down with biceps soreness. The previous season’s injuries were a foreshadowing of what was to come as Barriera tore his UCL in his first start of 2024 and had hybrid Tommy John Surgery.
Scouting Report: A highly touted prep player, Barriera has struggled with health and conditioning as a professional. He started his pro career significantly overweight, and dealt with subsequent injuries. He slimmed down entering 2024 but it was too little too late as the wear and tear of the previous two years saw him break down. Barriera has shown glimpses of a plus slider that dominated amateur competition by sitting 82-84 mph with heavy sweep and feel to manipulate its shape. His fastball is a low-to-mid-90s cut four-seamer which, depending on the day, can sit 92-94 mph or 93-96 mph. He’ll show a curveball in the high-70s with two-plane break and a mid-to-high-80s changeup with parachuting drop.
The Future: Barriera will likely miss most, if not all, of 2025 and it’s uncertain what he will look like upon returning.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 40 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 45.
26. Brandon Barriera, LHP
Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 180 | B-T: L-L
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: The Blue Jays selected Barriera with the 23rd overall pick and signed him for $3.6 million. He made his pro debut in May of 2023 after dealing with a shoulder injury in spring training. He made four starts before hitting the injured list with an elbow sprain. Barriera returned in July but after three starts went down with biceps soreness. The previous season’s injuries were a foreshadowing of what was to come as Barriera tore his UCL in his first start of 2024 and had hybrid Tommy John Surgery.
Scouting Report: A highly touted prep player, Barriera has struggled with health and conditioning as a professional. He started his pro career significantly overweight, and dealt with subsequent injuries. He slimmed down entering 2024 but it was too little too late as the wear and tear of the previous two years saw him break down. Barriera has shown glimpses of a plus slider that dominated amateur competition by sitting 82-84 mph with heavy sweep and feel to manipulate its shape. His fastball is a low-to-mid-90s cut four-seamer which, depending on the day, can sit 92-94 mph or 93-96 mph. He’ll show a curveball in the high-70s with two-plane break and a mid-to-high-80s changeup with parachuting drop.
The Future: Barriera will likely miss most, if not all, of 2025 and it’s uncertain what he will look like upon returning.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 50 | Curveball: 40 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 45.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From BA's Chicago White Sox 2025 Top 30 Prospects:
11. Caleb Bonemer, SS
Ht: 6'0" | Wt: 195 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 55/Extreme.
Track Record: Bonemer is another example of a recent draft picks who played on the White Sox team at Area Code Games in the year before their draft. He follows Noah Schultz and George Wolkow. Bonemer put himself on the draft map with his performance in the summer of 2023, both in his time at Area Codes and also when he homered twice at the Perfect Game National showcase. A strong athlete who should stick on the left side of the infield, Bonemer had one of the most exciting power-speed combinations in the 2024 high school class. The White Sox selected the Michigan high school product in the second round, signing him for a bonus just under $3 million to pull him away from his Virginia commitment. He stayed behind at the White Sox’s complex to compete in the bridge league, impressing observers with his strong bat and ability to handle shortstop.
Scouting Report: Bonemer has a chance for above-average tools across the board, with physicality that stands out. While the swing can look a little stiff at times, he manages to manipulate the bat enough to get to the barrel with above-average bat speed, and he shows a solid knowledge of the strike zone. Bonemer is an above-average fielder at shortstop, with an arm that plays up thanks to a quick transfer. Whether he stays at the position or moves to third base will depend on how his body develops, as is the case with any teen shortstop. Regardless, he’ll stay on the left side on the infield. Bonemer stands out for his on-field makeup.
The Future: Bonemer will get a full-season assignment in 2025, likely going to Low-A Kannapolis. His makeup, physicality and solid body control may be a sign that he could move a bit faster than most high school players in their first full seasons.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55.
11. Caleb Bonemer, SS
Ht: 6'0" | Wt: 195 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 55/Extreme.
Track Record: Bonemer is another example of a recent draft picks who played on the White Sox team at Area Code Games in the year before their draft. He follows Noah Schultz and George Wolkow. Bonemer put himself on the draft map with his performance in the summer of 2023, both in his time at Area Codes and also when he homered twice at the Perfect Game National showcase. A strong athlete who should stick on the left side of the infield, Bonemer had one of the most exciting power-speed combinations in the 2024 high school class. The White Sox selected the Michigan high school product in the second round, signing him for a bonus just under $3 million to pull him away from his Virginia commitment. He stayed behind at the White Sox’s complex to compete in the bridge league, impressing observers with his strong bat and ability to handle shortstop.
Scouting Report: Bonemer has a chance for above-average tools across the board, with physicality that stands out. While the swing can look a little stiff at times, he manages to manipulate the bat enough to get to the barrel with above-average bat speed, and he shows a solid knowledge of the strike zone. Bonemer is an above-average fielder at shortstop, with an arm that plays up thanks to a quick transfer. Whether he stays at the position or moves to third base will depend on how his body develops, as is the case with any teen shortstop. Regardless, he’ll stay on the left side on the infield. Bonemer stands out for his on-field makeup.
The Future: Bonemer will get a full-season assignment in 2025, likely going to Low-A Kannapolis. His makeup, physicality and solid body control may be a sign that he could move a bit faster than most high school players in their first full seasons.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From BA's Cleveland Guardians 2025 Top 30 Prospects:
13. Joey Oakie, RHP
Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 195 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 55/Extreme.
Track Record: Oakie ranked as the No. 49 prospect in the 2024 class thanks to a strong fastball/slider combination and excellent high school performance. The Guardians signed him to an overslot deal of $2 million in the third round—equivalent to early second round slot value—to lure him out of his home state Iowa commitment.
Scouting Report: Oakie is a physical righthander with a 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame that has present strength in his lower half but more room to fill out in the future. He has an extended arm action and throws from a low three-quarters slot that can get fully sidearm at times. That slot helps Oakie impart plenty of horizontal movement on his fastball and slider. His fastball sits 92-95 mph and has been up to 97 and it has tremendous armside life, which leads to easy plus projections as both a bat-misser and weak groundball inducer. Scouting directors tabbed Oakie as having the best fastball movement in the prep class before the spring season started. His slider is a plus offering with more power than is typical from a prep pitcher in the 83-86 mph range, high spin rates near 2,800 rpm and hard and late biting action. Oakie’s upper-80s changeup is a firm pitch that will need to improve, as does his scattered control.
The Future: Oakie’s fastball/slider combination gives him plenty of upside, though he carries some reliever risk that will need to be addressed in his first pro season in 2025.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 45.
15. Daniel Espino, RHP
Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 225 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 55/Extreme.
Track Record: Espino was born in Panama and moved to the United States when he was 15, then established himself as one of the most exciting pitchers in the 2019 draft class. Cleveland signed him for $2.5 million, then saw him develop into one of the most exciting pitching prospects in the game—but injuries have plagued him. Espino hasn’t thrown in an official game since April, 2022 and has dealt with knee tendinitis, a shoulder surgery in 2023 and another shoulder surgery in March of 2024 that could wipe out his entire 2025 season as well.
Scouting Report: A powerfully built 6-foot-2, 225-pound righthander, Espino has flashed all the tools of a front-of-the-rotation arm when he’s been on the mound. He showed three better-than-average pitches starting with an 80-grade fastball that averaged 96 and reached 100 mph with excellent riding life. Espino’s slider is a hard, biting breaking ball in the upper 80s that routinely crossed the 90-mph threshold and earned double-plus grades and generated huge miss rates. His curveball was a slower, bigger offering with 12-to-6 shape that was an effective chase pitch and ground ball-inducer, while his changeup lagged a bit behind. He pitched like an average strike-thrower with a long arm action but boasts great lower-half power and flexibility.
The Future: There’s more uncertainty and wider error bars with Espino than virtually any other prospect in the game. The Guardians are confident Espino has the mental fortitude to deal with his injuries, but it’s been a relentless path.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 80 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 70 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50.
13. Joey Oakie, RHP
Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 195 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 55/Extreme.
Track Record: Oakie ranked as the No. 49 prospect in the 2024 class thanks to a strong fastball/slider combination and excellent high school performance. The Guardians signed him to an overslot deal of $2 million in the third round—equivalent to early second round slot value—to lure him out of his home state Iowa commitment.
Scouting Report: Oakie is a physical righthander with a 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame that has present strength in his lower half but more room to fill out in the future. He has an extended arm action and throws from a low three-quarters slot that can get fully sidearm at times. That slot helps Oakie impart plenty of horizontal movement on his fastball and slider. His fastball sits 92-95 mph and has been up to 97 and it has tremendous armside life, which leads to easy plus projections as both a bat-misser and weak groundball inducer. Scouting directors tabbed Oakie as having the best fastball movement in the prep class before the spring season started. His slider is a plus offering with more power than is typical from a prep pitcher in the 83-86 mph range, high spin rates near 2,800 rpm and hard and late biting action. Oakie’s upper-80s changeup is a firm pitch that will need to improve, as does his scattered control.
The Future: Oakie’s fastball/slider combination gives him plenty of upside, though he carries some reliever risk that will need to be addressed in his first pro season in 2025.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 45.
15. Daniel Espino, RHP
Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 225 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 55/Extreme.
Track Record: Espino was born in Panama and moved to the United States when he was 15, then established himself as one of the most exciting pitchers in the 2019 draft class. Cleveland signed him for $2.5 million, then saw him develop into one of the most exciting pitching prospects in the game—but injuries have plagued him. Espino hasn’t thrown in an official game since April, 2022 and has dealt with knee tendinitis, a shoulder surgery in 2023 and another shoulder surgery in March of 2024 that could wipe out his entire 2025 season as well.
Scouting Report: A powerfully built 6-foot-2, 225-pound righthander, Espino has flashed all the tools of a front-of-the-rotation arm when he’s been on the mound. He showed three better-than-average pitches starting with an 80-grade fastball that averaged 96 and reached 100 mph with excellent riding life. Espino’s slider is a hard, biting breaking ball in the upper 80s that routinely crossed the 90-mph threshold and earned double-plus grades and generated huge miss rates. His curveball was a slower, bigger offering with 12-to-6 shape that was an effective chase pitch and ground ball-inducer, while his changeup lagged a bit behind. He pitched like an average strike-thrower with a long arm action but boasts great lower-half power and flexibility.
The Future: There’s more uncertainty and wider error bars with Espino than virtually any other prospect in the game. The Guardians are confident Espino has the mental fortitude to deal with his injuries, but it’s been a relentless path.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 80 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 70 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From BA's Detroit Tigers 2025 Top 30 Prospects:
20. Carson Rucker, 3B
Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 195 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: Rucker is a toolsy prospect who can do many impressive things on a baseball field. Unfortunately, he’s gotten very few chances to show what he can do. He didn’t play much on the showcase circuit in high school, but he raised his profile as a high school senior. He hit 18 home runs in that senior season and has played just 13 games in the year and a half since. After playing briefly in his 2023 draft year, he injured his left shoulder sliding into second on a double just four games into his 2024 season. He needed surgery to repair his labrum and missed the rest of the season.
Scouting Report: Rucker’s scouting report hasn’t really changed from 2024 because he missed so much time. If it all comes together, he has above-average power with above-average speed and an above-average arm—it was his non-throwing shoulder he injured. His hitting ability is more of a question, largely because he has so few at-bats against quality arms. Scouts who saw his brief appearances questioned his defense at third, but he hasn’t had time to settle in. The Tigers were happy with how Rucker embraced his rehab process. He’s filled out his frame and could show increased strength and power in 2025.
The Future: Rucker projects as a power-hitting third baseman with solid athleticism. He should be ready to go in 2025, heading back to Low-A Lakeland as he tries to make up for missed at-bats.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Field: 45 | Arm: 55.
20. Carson Rucker, 3B
Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 195 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: Rucker is a toolsy prospect who can do many impressive things on a baseball field. Unfortunately, he’s gotten very few chances to show what he can do. He didn’t play much on the showcase circuit in high school, but he raised his profile as a high school senior. He hit 18 home runs in that senior season and has played just 13 games in the year and a half since. After playing briefly in his 2023 draft year, he injured his left shoulder sliding into second on a double just four games into his 2024 season. He needed surgery to repair his labrum and missed the rest of the season.
Scouting Report: Rucker’s scouting report hasn’t really changed from 2024 because he missed so much time. If it all comes together, he has above-average power with above-average speed and an above-average arm—it was his non-throwing shoulder he injured. His hitting ability is more of a question, largely because he has so few at-bats against quality arms. Scouts who saw his brief appearances questioned his defense at third, but he hasn’t had time to settle in. The Tigers were happy with how Rucker embraced his rehab process. He’s filled out his frame and could show increased strength and power in 2025.
The Future: Rucker projects as a power-hitting third baseman with solid athleticism. He should be ready to go in 2025, heading back to Low-A Lakeland as he tries to make up for missed at-bats.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Field: 45 | Arm: 55.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From BA's Athletics 2025 Top 30 Prospects:
7. Henry Bolte, OF
Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 195 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/High.
Track Record: The Athletics made Bolte their second-round selection in 2022 and signed the NorCal prep product for $2 million to break his commitment to Texas. Two years later, he emerged as one of the bigger breakout prospects in their system. Bolte hit .267/.368/.466 with 15 home runs and 46 stolen bases across 123 games and two levels in 2024, finishing the year with Double-A Midland and a stint in the Arizona Fall League.
Scouting Report: Bolte has a barrel of tools at his disposal. He is one of the best athletes in the Athletics’ system with plus speed, a strong throwing arm and 70-grade raw power from a whip-quick bat. But his oft-scrutinized hit tool and approach have long invited questions about whether he’ll make enough contact against better pitching. He has overhauled his swing since turning pro to stabilize his lower half and improve his bat path to cover more of the strike zone. While he has made progress, he still struck out nearly 35% of the time to go along with a near-40% whiff rate while missing pitches in the zone roughly a third of the time. His 189 strikeouts were third most in the minor leagues in 2024. Bolte hits plenty of balls on the ground. The A’s would like to see a sharper two-strike approach, especially against sliders. He is also still learning how to hit for pullside power. Bolte is a dynamic, high-effort baserunner. His defensive routes and instincts still need polish, though he has the tools to one day be an above-average corner outfielder.
The Future: Bolte’s profile has a boom-or-bust nature given the swing-and-miss concerns, and he may be susceptible to more prolonged hot and cold streaks, but he has the ceiling of a dynamic power-speed threat in the outfield if it all comes together.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 60 | Run: 60 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55.
7. Henry Bolte, OF
Ht: 6'3" | Wt: 195 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/High.
Track Record: The Athletics made Bolte their second-round selection in 2022 and signed the NorCal prep product for $2 million to break his commitment to Texas. Two years later, he emerged as one of the bigger breakout prospects in their system. Bolte hit .267/.368/.466 with 15 home runs and 46 stolen bases across 123 games and two levels in 2024, finishing the year with Double-A Midland and a stint in the Arizona Fall League.
Scouting Report: Bolte has a barrel of tools at his disposal. He is one of the best athletes in the Athletics’ system with plus speed, a strong throwing arm and 70-grade raw power from a whip-quick bat. But his oft-scrutinized hit tool and approach have long invited questions about whether he’ll make enough contact against better pitching. He has overhauled his swing since turning pro to stabilize his lower half and improve his bat path to cover more of the strike zone. While he has made progress, he still struck out nearly 35% of the time to go along with a near-40% whiff rate while missing pitches in the zone roughly a third of the time. His 189 strikeouts were third most in the minor leagues in 2024. Bolte hits plenty of balls on the ground. The A’s would like to see a sharper two-strike approach, especially against sliders. He is also still learning how to hit for pullside power. Bolte is a dynamic, high-effort baserunner. His defensive routes and instincts still need polish, though he has the tools to one day be an above-average corner outfielder.
The Future: Bolte’s profile has a boom-or-bust nature given the swing-and-miss concerns, and he may be susceptible to more prolonged hot and cold streaks, but he has the ceiling of a dynamic power-speed threat in the outfield if it all comes together.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 60 | Run: 60 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From BA's Houston Astros 2025 Top 30 Prospects:
4. Zach Dezenzo, 3B
Ht: 6'4" | Wt: 220 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Medium.
Track Record: Dezenzo spent four seasons at Ohio State, hitting .281/.362/.538 with 38 career home runs. Undrafted in 2021, an outstanding junior season saw him selected by the Astros in the 12th round in 2022. He signed for just $125,000. In his first full pro season, Dezenzo hit .304/.383/.531 with 18 home runs across High-A and Double-A in 2023. A wrist issue delayed the start to his 2024 season until mid June, when he joined Double-A Corpus Christi for 22 games before a promotion to Triple-A Sugar Land in July. Dezenzo caught fire over his first two weeks at Triple-A, going 18-for-46 in 11 games and earning an Aug. 6 callup to Houston, where he took 65 plate appearances. Following the season, Dezenzo played in the Puerto Rican League.
Scouting Report: Dezenzo is a 6-foot-5, physical righthanded hitter with a strong, athletic frame. His average contact skills and swing decisions allow him to consistently get to his power, resulting in plus contact quality that is an outlier. He has elite bat speed, resulting in gaudy minor league numbers, including a 90th percentile exit velocity of 106.3 mph, a 56% hard-hit rate and .388 expected wOBA on contact. Dezenzo has the underlying raw power to hit 30 home runs with a little luck. He’s a surprisingly good runner and will flash plus home-to-first times occasionally. Dezenzo is a below-average defender at third base but a strong defender at first. He saw some time in the outfield during winter ball, which is an intriguing possibility due to Dezenzo’s above-average running ability and above-average arm.
The Future: Dezenzo has the power to develop into a 25-plus home run threat with the ability to fill in at multiple positions.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 60 | Run: 55 | Field: 45 | Arm: 55.
4. Zach Dezenzo, 3B
Ht: 6'4" | Wt: 220 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Medium.
Track Record: Dezenzo spent four seasons at Ohio State, hitting .281/.362/.538 with 38 career home runs. Undrafted in 2021, an outstanding junior season saw him selected by the Astros in the 12th round in 2022. He signed for just $125,000. In his first full pro season, Dezenzo hit .304/.383/.531 with 18 home runs across High-A and Double-A in 2023. A wrist issue delayed the start to his 2024 season until mid June, when he joined Double-A Corpus Christi for 22 games before a promotion to Triple-A Sugar Land in July. Dezenzo caught fire over his first two weeks at Triple-A, going 18-for-46 in 11 games and earning an Aug. 6 callup to Houston, where he took 65 plate appearances. Following the season, Dezenzo played in the Puerto Rican League.
Scouting Report: Dezenzo is a 6-foot-5, physical righthanded hitter with a strong, athletic frame. His average contact skills and swing decisions allow him to consistently get to his power, resulting in plus contact quality that is an outlier. He has elite bat speed, resulting in gaudy minor league numbers, including a 90th percentile exit velocity of 106.3 mph, a 56% hard-hit rate and .388 expected wOBA on contact. Dezenzo has the underlying raw power to hit 30 home runs with a little luck. He’s a surprisingly good runner and will flash plus home-to-first times occasionally. Dezenzo is a below-average defender at third base but a strong defender at first. He saw some time in the outfield during winter ball, which is an intriguing possibility due to Dezenzo’s above-average running ability and above-average arm.
The Future: Dezenzo has the power to develop into a 25-plus home run threat with the ability to fill in at multiple positions.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 60 | Run: 55 | Field: 45 | Arm: 55.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From BA's Seattle Mariners 2025 Top 30 Prospects:
12. Brandyn Garcia, LHP
Ht: 6'4" | Wt: 225 | B-T: L-L
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/High.
Track Record: Garcia was an unheralded 11th-round draftee in 2023, due to him being 23 years old on draft day and having a poor strike-throwing track record at Texas AM. The Mariners helped transform him into a totally different pitcher, as his career 2.21 ERA and walk rate of 3.6 per nine innings in pro ball would attest. Garcia flew all the way to Double-A in 2024, while striking out 134 in his combined 116 innings along the way.
Scouting Report: Garcia mainly uses two pitches, but they’re good enough to live off them. His fastball comes from a lower, crossfire slot and sits 94-96 mph with some late armside run. He pairs it with a mid-80s slider that’s plus and will flash even better. His slider is a big, heavy sweeper with power and depth that can wreak havoc on lefthanded hitters. He will mix in an occasional firm changeup that’s flat with some armside run, but he has trouble locating it. Garcia will likely always possess below-average command, but he has taken steps to get his fastball in the zone, and he has the stuff to make mistakes that others can’t.
The Future: Garcia’s 2024 season put him at the doorstep of the majors. He will likely return to Double-A to start the 2025 season, with an eye toward Triple-A or Seattle at some point during the year. He has put to rest questions about relief thus far, and he has the chance to be a No. 2 or 3 starter if he maintains his control gains while continuing to develop his changeup, or a different third pitch.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 45.
12. Brandyn Garcia, LHP
Ht: 6'4" | Wt: 225 | B-T: L-L
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/High.
Track Record: Garcia was an unheralded 11th-round draftee in 2023, due to him being 23 years old on draft day and having a poor strike-throwing track record at Texas AM. The Mariners helped transform him into a totally different pitcher, as his career 2.21 ERA and walk rate of 3.6 per nine innings in pro ball would attest. Garcia flew all the way to Double-A in 2024, while striking out 134 in his combined 116 innings along the way.
Scouting Report: Garcia mainly uses two pitches, but they’re good enough to live off them. His fastball comes from a lower, crossfire slot and sits 94-96 mph with some late armside run. He pairs it with a mid-80s slider that’s plus and will flash even better. His slider is a big, heavy sweeper with power and depth that can wreak havoc on lefthanded hitters. He will mix in an occasional firm changeup that’s flat with some armside run, but he has trouble locating it. Garcia will likely always possess below-average command, but he has taken steps to get his fastball in the zone, and he has the stuff to make mistakes that others can’t.
The Future: Garcia’s 2024 season put him at the doorstep of the majors. He will likely return to Double-A to start the 2025 season, with an eye toward Triple-A or Seattle at some point during the year. He has put to rest questions about relief thus far, and he has the chance to be a No. 2 or 3 starter if he maintains his control gains while continuing to develop his changeup, or a different third pitch.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 40 | Control: 45.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From BA's Atlanta Braves 2025 Top 30 Prospects:
3. Cameron Caminiti, LHP
Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 200 | B-T: L-L
Age: 18
BA Grade/Risk: 55/Extreme.
Track Record: Caminiti ranked as the top high school pitcher in the 2024 draft class and signed with the Braves for $3,553,800 at pick No. 24. A two-way player in high school, Caminiti boasted one of the better fastballs in the prep class despite being just 17 years old on draft day. He’s the nephew of three-time all-star and 1996 National League MVP Ken Caminiti.
Scouting Report: Caminiti has a lean frame at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds and features a loose, easy and athletic delivery which also includes a crossfire landing. His fastball is his main weapon and earned future 70-grade evaluations from amateur scouts. He throws the pitch in the mid 90s consistently, and it has been up to 98 mph with great natural life that dominated high school hitters, especially up in the zone. The Braves are working with Caminiti to optimize his fastball shape to further enhance the pitch, while simultaneously refocusing his secondaries. As an amateur, Caminiti threw a slider, curveball and changeup, but the Braves tend to focus on one breaking ball with their young pitchers, which will likely be the case for Caminiti. Feel for spin was a question mark with Caminiti, as both his slider and curveball were inconsistent pitches, but he’ll focus on adding power and bite to his slider and will continue to rely on a mid-to-upper-80s changeup with solid fade and above-average potential. Caminiti is a solid strike-thrower, and between his clean delivery and athleticism, he could develop above-average control.
The Future: Caminiti should pitch weekly at Low-A Augusta in 2025 where he’ll focus exclusively on his craft on the mound for the first time in his career. He’s a long way from the majors, but his upside is as high as any arm in the Braves’ system.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 40 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 55.
12. John Gil, SS / 3B
Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 175 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: Gil signed out of the Dominican Republic in a Braves 2023 class that was headlined by Luis Guanipa. Two years later, he ranks as the top international hitter in Atlanta’s system. He played in the Dominican Summer League in 2023, then in 2024 moved stateside, where he played shortstop everyday, hit well in the Florida Complex League and drew near-universal positive reviews from scouts.
Scouting Report: Gil is a lean righthander with a 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame that still has room to fill out and employs an easy, low-maintenance swing. He has a solid understanding of the zone and will take a walk. He’s currently a contact hitter who won’t miss a fastball, but he has been exploited by spin and off-speed offerings and will need to grow into more impact. His strikeout rate jumped from 16.1% to 23.3% with Low-A Augusta. Despite that, he has earned above-average hit tool projections. Gil is a double-plus runner who gets out of the box quickly, went 40-for-48 (83.3%) on the bases and has great range at shortstop. He’s an instinctual defender with above-average hands and average arm strength, but could provide utility value in the future, as well, at second base, third base or in the outfield.
The Future: Gil has a better reputation from scouts than his .688 OPS in 2024 might indicate. He should return to Low-A Augusta in 2025 where he’ll need to make adjustments vs. non-fastballs and show he has more than just utility value.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 70 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50.
3. Cameron Caminiti, LHP
Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 200 | B-T: L-L
Age: 18
BA Grade/Risk: 55/Extreme.
Track Record: Caminiti ranked as the top high school pitcher in the 2024 draft class and signed with the Braves for $3,553,800 at pick No. 24. A two-way player in high school, Caminiti boasted one of the better fastballs in the prep class despite being just 17 years old on draft day. He’s the nephew of three-time all-star and 1996 National League MVP Ken Caminiti.
Scouting Report: Caminiti has a lean frame at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds and features a loose, easy and athletic delivery which also includes a crossfire landing. His fastball is his main weapon and earned future 70-grade evaluations from amateur scouts. He throws the pitch in the mid 90s consistently, and it has been up to 98 mph with great natural life that dominated high school hitters, especially up in the zone. The Braves are working with Caminiti to optimize his fastball shape to further enhance the pitch, while simultaneously refocusing his secondaries. As an amateur, Caminiti threw a slider, curveball and changeup, but the Braves tend to focus on one breaking ball with their young pitchers, which will likely be the case for Caminiti. Feel for spin was a question mark with Caminiti, as both his slider and curveball were inconsistent pitches, but he’ll focus on adding power and bite to his slider and will continue to rely on a mid-to-upper-80s changeup with solid fade and above-average potential. Caminiti is a solid strike-thrower, and between his clean delivery and athleticism, he could develop above-average control.
The Future: Caminiti should pitch weekly at Low-A Augusta in 2025 where he’ll focus exclusively on his craft on the mound for the first time in his career. He’s a long way from the majors, but his upside is as high as any arm in the Braves’ system.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 70 | Curveball: 40 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 55.
12. John Gil, SS / 3B
Ht: 6'1" | Wt: 175 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: Gil signed out of the Dominican Republic in a Braves 2023 class that was headlined by Luis Guanipa. Two years later, he ranks as the top international hitter in Atlanta’s system. He played in the Dominican Summer League in 2023, then in 2024 moved stateside, where he played shortstop everyday, hit well in the Florida Complex League and drew near-universal positive reviews from scouts.
Scouting Report: Gil is a lean righthander with a 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame that still has room to fill out and employs an easy, low-maintenance swing. He has a solid understanding of the zone and will take a walk. He’s currently a contact hitter who won’t miss a fastball, but he has been exploited by spin and off-speed offerings and will need to grow into more impact. His strikeout rate jumped from 16.1% to 23.3% with Low-A Augusta. Despite that, he has earned above-average hit tool projections. Gil is a double-plus runner who gets out of the box quickly, went 40-for-48 (83.3%) on the bases and has great range at shortstop. He’s an instinctual defender with above-average hands and average arm strength, but could provide utility value in the future, as well, at second base, third base or in the outfield.
The Future: Gil has a better reputation from scouts than his .688 OPS in 2024 might indicate. He should return to Low-A Augusta in 2025 where he’ll need to make adjustments vs. non-fastballs and show he has more than just utility value.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 40 | Run: 70 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From BA's Arizona Diamondbacks 2025 Top 30 Prospects:
15. Yu-Min Lin, LHP
Ht: 5'11" | Wt: 160 | B-T: L-L
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 45/High.
Track Record: The Diamondbacks watched Lin carve through hitters several years older than him at an international tournament in late 2021, an outing that served as the impetus for the $525,000 deal they gave him that December. He did more of the same in his first two seasons as a pro before encountering his first stumbling block in 2024. While in the dugout during a Double-A game in April, he was struck in the face by a foul ball. He suffered a sinus fracture that needed surgery and entered concussion protocol. Altogether, he missed nearly two months. He posted decent results despite it, though saw a downtick in the quality of his stuff, perhaps due to his lengthy absence.
Scouting Report: Lin’s fastball is a below-average pitch and remains the biggest drawback in terms of his ceiling. Though he occasionally touches 95 mph, he sits closer to 91 and needs to get better at mixing his two-seamer and four-seamer. His secondary pitches are his primary weapons. His lively changeup can behave like a screwball. His curveball generates massive spin in the mid 70s and he could benefit from throwing it more. He also throws a slider and cutter. He has a good feel for pitching, changing speeds well and keeping hitters off balance. His slim frame makes further projection appear unlikely.
The Future: His deep repertoire might raise his floor, but he appears to have a limited ceiling, looking like a back-of-the-rotation starter at best.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 45 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 55.
15. Yu-Min Lin, LHP
Ht: 5'11" | Wt: 160 | B-T: L-L
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 45/High.
Track Record: The Diamondbacks watched Lin carve through hitters several years older than him at an international tournament in late 2021, an outing that served as the impetus for the $525,000 deal they gave him that December. He did more of the same in his first two seasons as a pro before encountering his first stumbling block in 2024. While in the dugout during a Double-A game in April, he was struck in the face by a foul ball. He suffered a sinus fracture that needed surgery and entered concussion protocol. Altogether, he missed nearly two months. He posted decent results despite it, though saw a downtick in the quality of his stuff, perhaps due to his lengthy absence.
Scouting Report: Lin’s fastball is a below-average pitch and remains the biggest drawback in terms of his ceiling. Though he occasionally touches 95 mph, he sits closer to 91 and needs to get better at mixing his two-seamer and four-seamer. His secondary pitches are his primary weapons. His lively changeup can behave like a screwball. His curveball generates massive spin in the mid 70s and he could benefit from throwing it more. He also throws a slider and cutter. He has a good feel for pitching, changing speeds well and keeping hitters off balance. His slim frame makes further projection appear unlikely.
The Future: His deep repertoire might raise his floor, but he appears to have a limited ceiling, looking like a back-of-the-rotation starter at best.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 45 | Curveball: 55 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 55.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From BA's Colorado Rockies 2025 Top 30 Prospects:
21. Kelvin Hidalgo, SS
Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 166 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: Hidalgo signed with the Rockies for $500,000 out of the Dominican Republic as a part of their 2022 international class. He spent two seasons in the Dominican Summer League, hitting 12 home runs and batting .314/.406/.583 in 2023. Hidalgo came stateside in 2024 starting his season with the Rockies Arizona Complex League affiliate and hit .288 58 ACL games. He was promoted to Low-A Fresno at the end of the 2024 season.
Scouting Report: Hidalgo is an exciting, tooled-up middle infielder with plus power projection. Hidalgo’s bat-to-ball skills and overall plate discipline are fairly raw, leading to elevated swing and miss. He struggles to lay off breaking balls in particular and saw a lot of whiff against spin in the ACL. Hidalgo does have plus raw power and produced a 104.9 mph 90th percentile exit velocity and a max EV of 113.2 mph in 2024. He’s still learning to optimize his batted ball angles and lift the ball to his pull side. He’s a plus runner with the ability to steal bases, and his twitchy athleticism also translates to his defense. Hidalgo has good footwork, actions and a plus arm that should give him a chance to stick at shortstop.
The Future: Hidalgo has above-average regular upside but a ways to go toward refining his bat-to-ball skills and approach.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Field: 55 | Arm: 60.
21. Kelvin Hidalgo, SS
Ht: 6'2" | Wt: 166 | B-T: R-R
Age: null
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: Hidalgo signed with the Rockies for $500,000 out of the Dominican Republic as a part of their 2022 international class. He spent two seasons in the Dominican Summer League, hitting 12 home runs and batting .314/.406/.583 in 2023. Hidalgo came stateside in 2024 starting his season with the Rockies Arizona Complex League affiliate and hit .288 58 ACL games. He was promoted to Low-A Fresno at the end of the 2024 season.
Scouting Report: Hidalgo is an exciting, tooled-up middle infielder with plus power projection. Hidalgo’s bat-to-ball skills and overall plate discipline are fairly raw, leading to elevated swing and miss. He struggles to lay off breaking balls in particular and saw a lot of whiff against spin in the ACL. Hidalgo does have plus raw power and produced a 104.9 mph 90th percentile exit velocity and a max EV of 113.2 mph in 2024. He’s still learning to optimize his batted ball angles and lift the ball to his pull side. He’s a plus runner with the ability to steal bases, and his twitchy athleticism also translates to his defense. Hidalgo has good footwork, actions and a plus arm that should give him a chance to stick at shortstop.
The Future: Hidalgo has above-average regular upside but a ways to go toward refining his bat-to-ball skills and approach.
Scouting Grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 55 | Run: 60 | Field: 55 | Arm: 60.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
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Re: Orioles Prospect Report - February 2025
From BA's Los Angeles Dodgers 2025 Top 30 Prospects:
15. Eriq Swan, RHP
Ht: 6'6" | Wt: 240 | B-T: R-R
Age: 23
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: In his junior season at Middle Tennessee, Swan earned a rep as one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in college baseball. His fastball that summer averaged 98 mph and touched 102, but the results did not follow. He was rotation-mates at MTSU with Jaden Hamm, a Tigers prospect who also was one of the season’s breakout stars. Swan racked up a 6.49 ERA and a 15.6% walk rate. Still, the Dodgers bet on his stuff and selected him in the supplemental fourth round. His pro debut was limited by injuries but he made up some of those lost innings in the Arizona Fall League.
Scouting Report: Despite uneven results, scouts were impressed with Swan’s pure stuff. He works with a four-pitch mix led by an upper-90s fastball and backed by a slider, a sweeper and a changeup. Both versions of the slider are knockouts and project as potentially plus pitches. The changeup is firm and gets up to 91 mph, though it produced solid results in the AFL and could be an average offering in time. The next step for the former high school shortstop is to throw more frequent, higher-quality strikes. He has a shorter arm action and moved to a stretch-only delivery in an effort to achieve those goals. Scouts also would like to see him be more consistent with his direction to the plate.
The Future: After a whizbang turn in the AFL, Swan’s next stop is likely High-A Great Lakes. There, he’ll work on throwing more strikes and staying healthy enough to turn in a full season. If he does, his ceiling is extremely high.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 70 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Sweeper: 60 | Control: 40.
15. Eriq Swan, RHP
Ht: 6'6" | Wt: 240 | B-T: R-R
Age: 23
BA Grade/Risk: 50/Extreme.
Track Record: In his junior season at Middle Tennessee, Swan earned a rep as one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in college baseball. His fastball that summer averaged 98 mph and touched 102, but the results did not follow. He was rotation-mates at MTSU with Jaden Hamm, a Tigers prospect who also was one of the season’s breakout stars. Swan racked up a 6.49 ERA and a 15.6% walk rate. Still, the Dodgers bet on his stuff and selected him in the supplemental fourth round. His pro debut was limited by injuries but he made up some of those lost innings in the Arizona Fall League.
Scouting Report: Despite uneven results, scouts were impressed with Swan’s pure stuff. He works with a four-pitch mix led by an upper-90s fastball and backed by a slider, a sweeper and a changeup. Both versions of the slider are knockouts and project as potentially plus pitches. The changeup is firm and gets up to 91 mph, though it produced solid results in the AFL and could be an average offering in time. The next step for the former high school shortstop is to throw more frequent, higher-quality strikes. He has a shorter arm action and moved to a stretch-only delivery in an effort to achieve those goals. Scouts also would like to see him be more consistent with his direction to the plate.
The Future: After a whizbang turn in the AFL, Swan’s next stop is likely High-A Great Lakes. There, he’ll work on throwing more strikes and staying healthy enough to turn in a full season. If he does, his ceiling is extremely high.
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 70 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Sweeper: 60 | Control: 40.
2023 GM Totals: 1780 W - 1460 L | 0.549 wpct | 89-73 (avg 162 G record)
