Baltimore Orioles

Track Record: An imposing righthander signed for $500,000 in 2017, Baumann moved quickly and shared the Orioles’ Jim Palmer minor league pitcher of the year award in a 2019 season where he struck out 10.3 batters per nine and pitched a nine-inning no-hitter. A flexor mass strain in his elbow at the alternate site in 2020, and a recurrence the following spring, meant Baumann wasn’t himself for much of 2021, even as he made his major league debut.
Scouting Report: Baumann spent most of the year trying to sync up his delivery and establish that foundation for his season. Without it, he didn’t consistently get into the upper 90s with his plus fastball, instead often pitching in the 93-94 mph range with it. His plus slider didn’t always have the bite it did in 2019, and he didn’t throw his curveball or changeup enough for anyone’s liking. The fastball and slider give Baumann a high floor as a reliever, but the Orioles hope a healthy offseason will have Baumann comfortable with his delivery in spring training so they can keep developing him as a starter.
The Future: Should Baumann come into 2022 healthy, he has the stuff to be in the rotation mix for the Orioles in spring training. He can be a back-end starter if his whole arsenal is in play.

Track Record: A near-consensus All-American who led the NCAA with 102 hits and was the American Athletic Conference player of the year in 2021, Norby particularly impressed the Orioles with his plate appearances against Vanderbilt aces Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker in the NCAA super regional. Norby signed for slightly below slot at $1.7 million, and showed a patient, opposite-field approach in the final month of the season at Low-A Delmarva.
Scouting Report: Like many of the Orioles’ 2021 draftees, Norby has a knack for making contact and barreling the ball in the strike zone. At this point, he can be an above-average hitter, albeit with an opposite-field approach at the moment that can limit his power. His ability to control the strike zone and recognize pitches mean he could grow to better recognize which pitches he can drive and increase his power potential. Norby has average speed and a fringe-average arm, but the Orioles believe he’s more athletic than the second base-only tag might indicate.
The Future: Norby could be a solid-average regular who sets the table at the top of a lineup or helps turn it over at the bottom. It’s possible he starts at High-A Aberdeen in 2022, putting him on track to potentially reach the majors in 2023 if he performs.

Track Record: The Orioles’ return to the Latin American market in 2019 produced their largest ever signing class, then in January 2021 brought about their first two seven-figure signing bonuses. Hernandez’s $1.2 million bonus was one of them. The projectable shortstop got better as his summer in the Dominican Republic went on, and came stateside for instructional camp in October.
Scouting Report: Hernandez came to the Orioles with a smooth athleticism that they believe will maintain as he grows into his tall frame, and he already boasts a clean swing with a good path through the zone. He has a good understanding of the strike zone, and improved as the summer went on at better getting to his high-end exit velocities and hitting line drives during games. He could grow into average power as an average hitter, in addition to being a plus runner with the potential to be an average shortstop and enough arm to move to third base if he outgrows his current position.
The Future: The Orioles haven’t produced a homegrown, everyday major league infielder from Latin America since Jonathan Schoop, but Hernandez could be the next one. He should be in the Florida Complex League after extended spring training camp in 2022.

Track Record: The latest in a talented baseball family to try and climb to the big leagues, Vavra began his career with the Rockies and was the 2019 South Atlantic League MVP for Asheville. He filled a high-minors infield void with the Orioles after being part of the 2020 trade for Mychal Givens, and was among their most productive minor league hitters before a back injury cost him nearly two months in 2021.
Scouting Report: On either side of his injury, Vavra showed an advanced eye at the plate and an ability to hit line drives with a smooth swing from the left side. He can have fringe-average power and be an above-average hitter thanks to his swing decisions and contact profile. Vavra’s best fit is at second base, where he made just one error this season, and he projects long term as an average defender at the position. Additionally, he spent time in center field in 2021, a position that he has the athleticism for, even if his running is just average. His fringe-average arm will limit him to second base on the infield and could impact his ability to make an impact in the outfield.
The Future: Vavra’s on-base ability and defensive versatility could make him an everyday fixture at the bottom of a lineup, or alternatively a table-setter up top. He could begin 2022 in Triple-A Norfolk.

Track Record: Basallo received the largest bonus for a Latin American amateur player in Orioles history when he signed for $1.3 million in January 2021, one of two seven-figure bonuses the club handed out in that signing period. Before signing with the Orioles, he was connected to the Yankees. Basallo marked his pro debut with five home runs in the Dominican Summer League, most by an Orioles prospect there.
Scouting Report: Basallo’s power is one of several promising tools, as it could be plus-plus power as he continues to grow into it and refine both his approach and his swing. As he learns how his body moves and reduces his chase rate, the Orioles see potential for him to improve on what was the best hard-hit rate in their Dominican group. While already big for his age, Basallo is athletic behind the plate with a plus arm that could keep him at the position as he continues to develop.
The Future: Basallo came stateside for the Orioles’ fall instructional camp, indicating he could spend 2021 in the Florida Complex League. While he’s a long way away, Basallo has the skills to grow into a bat-first, everyday catcher or possibly hit enough to play as a corner outfielder.

Track Record: Ortiz starred at New Mexico State at third base as a freshman and then for two years as a standout shortstop whose advanced glove was enough to get him drafted early on the second day in 2019. Ortiz added nearly 30 pounds of muscle and remade his swing during the 2020 shutdown to add a big league offensive profile to go with his glove. He was one of the Orioles’ breakout prospects before requiring surgery to repair a torn left labrum.
Scouting Report: By adding loft to his swing and catching the ball out front to elevate it more consistently, Ortiz took what was a meek offensive skill set and created the potential to be an average hitter with fringe-average power. He cut his groundball rate by nearly 12% from 2019 to 2021. Despite bulking up and increasing his ability to impact the ball more consistently, Ortiz didn’t lose much of his defensive promise. He primarily played shortstop, where he can at least be above-average, with the range for second and the arm for third when he played there.
The Future: There’s always a major league role for a true shortstop, but Ortiz could be a big league regular because of his improved offensive profile. He didn’t spend much time at Double-A Bowie before his injury, and should return there in 2022.

Track Record: The last in a long line of projectable lefties the Orioles drafted last decade in hopes of them filling out and developing into big league starters, Rom has done that as he’s climbed into the high minors.
Scouting Report: Rom hasn’t yet developed a standout pitch, but a varied mix and precocious pitchability have helped him carve up hitters at every level. His fastball, which sat around 90 mph previously, was up to 94 mph at times late in the season and more consistently sat around 91-93. He experimented with dropping his arm slot against lefties to create different action on his two-seam fastball. His average slider is the best of his secondaries now, though there’s work to be done on differentiating its movement from his fringe-average splitter, changeup and curveball. Rom knows how the pitches play off one another, and pitches backwards while taking advantage of his deception and angles.
The Future: Rom is aware of the challenges that face a finesse lefthander without premium velocity in the majors, but adding to his fastball and learning how to pitch backwards at an early stage keep a No. 5 starter profile in play. He should start back at Double-A Bowie in 2022, with a big league chance in play the following year.

Track Record: Baumler’s $1.5 million, above-slot bonus remains the largest the Orioles have given to a pitcher under the Mike Elias regime, and what the athletic righthander showed in fall instructional camp in 2020 made them feel safe in that investment before an elbow injury required Tommy John surgery. Baumler spent 2021 recovering from that injury and finished his rehab progression at fall instructional camp to set the course for a normal offseason throwing program.
Scouting Report: Before his injury, Baumler worked with a fastball in the 88-92 mph range that topped out at 96 mph from a clean, repeatable delivery with a good arm path and plenty of physical projection to add to his heater. Baumler spent a month of his rehab honing his breaking ball and changeup, each of which had at least average potential before his year off. A classic high-ceiling, cold-weather arm, the Orioles believe Baulmer has plenty of capacity to improve.
The Future: Baumler is yet to throw a pitch in a professional game, but many believe he has No. 3 starter potential, even if he’s years away from fulfilling that role. He should be a full-go come spring training and begin his affiliated career at Low-A Delmarva in 2022.

Track Record: With a father and brother who played in the NFL, Jones made his major league debut in 2020 to show his choice to play baseball was a sound one. After a slow development process as a high school draftee who signed for $1.1 million, Jones found his swing during the second half of 2019 at Double-A Mobile, after a tough first half. By the time he was traded to the Orioles for Alex Cobb in February 2021, his stock had plummeted significantly. He hit in spurts in the minors before struggling on his return to the big leagues late in the season.
Scouting Report: Jones had moments in 2021 where his average hit tool and fringe-average power showed up in games. Upon his arrival in the majors, he was attacked with inside fastballs and never made the proper adjustment, leading to plenty of strikeouts and weak contact. Jones’ offensive profile complements a high-energy presence both on and off the field, as Jones’ plus speed and athleticism have helped him transition from center field to second base. He could grow into an average defender at the position, but remains inexperienced there and is still smoothing out his actions.
The Future: Jones could grow into an everyday player for a second-division club and is still young, but has plenty to improve on based on his time in the majors in 2021.

Track Record: Smith was the Mets’ minor league pitcher of the year in 2019, his first full season, and was part of a trade that sent him to the Orioles for reliever Miguel Castro the following summer. He dominated in six appearances at Double-A Bowie to begin 2021 before Triple-A proved challenging. Smith struggled with walks and home runs at Norfolk.
Scouting Report: When he was at his best at Bowie early in the season, Smith used a four-seam and two-seam fastball in the 91-92 mph range, though they backed up to around 90 mph late in the year. His slider has plus potential, and his changeup can be average, and the whole arsenal plays up at times because of the deception his crossbody delivery provides. That deception relies on him controlling the ball and throwing strikes, something he struggled badly with in Triple-A, with fewer than half of his pitches in the zone.
The Future: Smith was Rule 5 eligible this winter and was added to the 40-man roster, putting a tighter timeline on him figuring out his command issues as he’ll be needed in the major league mix come 2022. It’s possible he could be a No. 5 starter or middle reliever as he has the pitches to attack hitters at both sides of the plate.

Track Record: As a second-year freshman who played just one full season because of Covid, Trimble made his year with the Golden Eagles count: he tied for the NCAA lead with 72 RBIs as their everyday right fielder. Trimble signed for a below-slot $800,000 deal after a standout performance in the NCAA regional, but didn’t get to show his full potential in his pro debut as his playing time was limited.
Scouting Report: Trimble is on the raw side when it comes to Orioles draftees in 2021, but has all the markers of a player who can grow into a complete outfielder. He has polished swings and above-average bat speed from both sides of the plate with bat-to-ball skills and strike zone control that can make him at least an average hitter with potentially above-average power as he matures. His plus-plus speed is an asset on the bases and in center field, where it can make him an above-average defender. He boasts a solid-average arm as well.
The Future: Trimble could return to Low-A Delmarva for everyday center field duties in 2022 to begin his first full season and establish a path to a future as an everyday outfielder when the Orioles get competitive. Trimble’s athleticism and switch-hitting give him an easy bench outfielder floor.

Track Record: A draft-eligible sophomore who signed for $1.91 million after starring for two seasons with the Green Wave, Haskin spent most of his debut season at Low-A Delmarva and had a month at High-A Aberdeen before he fractured his thumb in late August.
Scouting Report: Every aspect of Haskin’s game is influenced by his easy plus speed, most notably his ability to potentially play an above-average center field with an above-average arm at the highest level. His legs also are an asset on offense, with his 22 stolen bases among the best in the Orioles’ system and his ability to beat out hits paramount to his attack. His swing is geared more to flat contact than loft and can get a little long, but there’s still average potential for his hit tool, albeit with fringe-average power. As a quick-twitch athlete who is willing to put in the work, the Orioles hope he can increase his damage level as he continues to work his swing and develop physically.
The Future: Haskin didn’t spend enough time at Aberdeen to warrant his starting above there in 2022, and will likely continue his efforts to be a second-division regular or platoon outfielder with the Ironbirds next spring. His speed and projection to stay in center field give Haskin a high floor at the major league level.

Track Record: Signed for $15.5 million by the Dodgers and later used as the centerpiece in a trade that brought them Manny Machado in 2018, Diaz immediately became the Orioles’ top prospect but has seen his career stall out through injury and poor performance. He missed time in 2021 at Triple-A Norfolk with a quadriceps strain and turf toe, but had a .498 OPS over two levels when he was healthy.
Scouting Report: Diaz’s talent is still there in flashes, though the Orioles believe he needs a sustained period of health to best demonstrate it. Despite a good approach at the plate, his load remains an issue and keeps him from making consistent hard contact. He could be a fringe-average hitter with pull power if he cleans that up, which could put pressure on his bat as he’s likely a corner outfielder despite some experience in center field. Diaz can be an average runner, but hasn’t been aggressive on the bases since his 2018 trade, with his plus arm currently his best tool.
The Future: An inability to stay on the field has made Diaz a major question mark, but he still has the talent to be a second-division regular or bench outfielder if he regains consistency and health.

Track Record: Rhodes became a draft-eligible sophomore when the draft was moved from June to July, and though he underperformed in 2021 compared to how he stood out before the shutdown in 2020, the Orioles signed him for an above-slot $1.38 million.
Scouting Report: Kentucky never found a defensive home for Rhodes, who played at the corners in the infield and outfield, but that was more down to his versatility and its desire to keep his bat in its lineup. Rhodes has good bat speed and showed increasingly powerful top-end exit velocities as well as an average hit tool. The challenge for Rhodes will be adding loft to his swing and getting his best swings off consistently without sacrificing his ability to put the ball in play or his impressive on-base numbers. The Orioles will keep him in the outfield, where he has work to do and can be average with experience.
The Future: Rhodes can be an average regular, perhaps on a second-division club, with the outside potential for more should he grow into the consistent game power a corner outfielder requires.

Track Record: Prieto performed well at a young age for Cienfuegos in Cuba’s top league, Serie Nacional, before leaving the country. He continued to show a relatively advanced offensive game working out for clubs before he signed with the Orioles on Jan. 15, 2022.
Scouting Report: At 22, Prieto will move faster than most international signings. He’s a smart, savvy player who has a mature approach and a good eye for the strike zone. Prieto didn’t strike out much in Cuba, and while he has yet to be tested much since then, the early returns have also shown little swing-and-miss to his game. He never showed much power in Cuba, but he added 15-20 pounds since leaving and has started to drive the ball with more impact, though it’s likely always going to be a hit-over-power profile. An average runner, Prieto is an offensive-minded infielder who projects best at second base.
The Future: Prieto is advanced enough that he will begin his career in High-A Aberdeen. While he lacks big power or speed, his bat could be good enough to carry him to a big league role.

Track Record: Tavera received Baltimore’s biggest international signing bonus in their 2021-22 class, joining the Orioles for $1.7 million when the signing period opened on Jan. 15, 2022. Scouting Report: Tavera jumps out immediately for his lean, lively frame and athleticism. He’s a plus runner with an easy gait who projects to stick in center field with a fringe-average arm. Tavera has a chance to develop into an average hitter with average power. He’s not quite as polished offensively as some of the other top signings in his class, but he shows the ability to manage his at-bats well for his age with the physical upside remaining to grow into more strength and impact as he fills out.
The Future: Tavera will make his pro debut in 2022 in the Dominican Summer League.

Track Record: Wells was an all-star in each of his first four minor league seasons, including a 2017 season when he was the Orioles’ minor league pitcher of the year. His 2021 got a late start due to an oblique strain in spring training, and he pitched well at Triple-A in between some big league outings that illustrated the challenges of being a soft-tossing, fly ball pitcher in the AL East.
Scouting Report: Pitching with a fastball that sits in the high 80s is difficult at any level, but Wells showed flashes of being able to locate the pitch well enough to get away with it in the majors. When he stays on the attack, it has pinpoint control in the strike zone where hitters can’t get their best swings off, though his confidence in that attack can waver, leading to walks and bad misses. Wells developed a slider during the 2020 shutdown that gave him a harder breaking ball than his average curve, with the new slider effective in the majors. His changeup has above-average potential, and is necessary against righthanded hitters.
The Future: Without the ability to be a matchup reliever due to his velocity profile, Wells profiles best as a bulk pitcher or No. 5 starter in the majors. He’ll be in the Orioles’ rotation mix in 2022.

Track Record: After earning the Orioles’ minor league pitcher of the year honors in 2018 and an all-star nod at Double-A Bowie in 2019, Lowther’s career slowed significantly. He missed time with a shoulder strain in 2021 and was hit hard once he reached the big leagues. His time at Triple-A Norfolk wasn’t much better, representing the first real struggles he’s had as a pro.
Scouting Report: Lowther has never had premium velocity, with a four-seam fastball that averages 89-91 mph but plays up because of his ability to get down the mound and generate extension. It’s not a hoppy fastball, though, which limits its effectiveness in the zone. He used his high-spin curveball effectively in the majors, as well as the slider he learned in the 2020 shutdown, but neither those nor his changeup project to be plus pitches. Lowther needs to be fine with his command and pitch backwards to succeed in the majors, and was able to pitch well in 2021 when he did that.
The Future: Lowther learned the margin for error that he’ll have to live in to be a big league starter in 2021, and still has a chance to be a No. 5 starter or bulk pitcher with refinement.

Track Record: Brnovich was a three-year starter at Elon, earning Colonial Athletic Association rookie of the year honors as a freshman and pitching his way onto the Collegiate National Team after a standout sophomore season. He never appeared in a game after the Angels signed him for just below slot at $168,700, and was part of their December 2020 trade for Dylan Bundy.
Scouting Report: Brnovich impressed over two levels in his full-season debut thanks to an ability to pitch backwards and de-emphasize a fastball that has some hop but mostly sits in the 90 mph range. His curveball can be an above-average pitch with different movement profiles because of his knuckle grip. After not using his changeup much previously, Brnovich brought it along as the season progressed and it now looks like a future average pitch. He gets downhill with a slight hop in his delivery to create some deception and allow the stuff to play up, but he needs to pitch backwards to be at his most effective.
The Future: With further development of his secondary pitches Brnovich could take a No. 5 starter role. He may begin 2022 back at Double-A Bowie until a spot in Triple-A opens up.

Track Record: One of two pitchers acquired when the Orioles traded Jose Iglesias to the Angels in December 2020, Pinto showed well with an impressive domestic debut. He made just five appearances in the FCL before a promotion to Low-A Delmarva.
Scouting Report: Pinto’s fastball already sits in the low 90s while touching 95 mph, and his size means there’s potentially room to grow into more. It’s already an effective pitch, especially up in the strike zone, though he’s working to be more consistent with the movement of the four-seamer. He missed bats with a changeup that could be above-average in the high 80s, while he uses a two-plane breaking ball in the 82-84 mph range for strikeouts as well. He’s filled out physically since signing, especially in his lower half, but uses his whole body in his delivery and keeps a clean line to the plate.
The Future: Pinto has a ways to go before he can get near his ceiling as a back-end starter in the big leagues.