Getting to Know the Top 10 Orioles Prospects
In 2018, Baseball America ranked the Orioles’ farm system 20th overall in their annual organizational talent rankings. A couple months later, the club announced that it had hired Mike Elias as Executive Vice President and General Manager. As a first-time GM, Elias was tasked with transforming the Orioles’ player development apparatus into one of the best in baseball.
Fast-forward a couple years later, and the Orioles’ retooled farm system is currently listed at No. 7 overall in Baseball America’s 2021 rankings, the highest the O’s have ever ranked in the outlet’s 37 years of farm system rankings. A big reason for the surge? The club’s Top 10 prospects, five of whom are also ranked as Top 100 overall prospects by Baseball America. Some of the top prospects have already made their way to Oriole Park at Camden Yards in 2020, with many more on the way. Get to know the 10 players who have risen to the top of the Birds’ rejuvenated farm system.
Rankings courtesy of Baseball America’s 2021 Preseason Top 10
#1: C Adley Rutschman | Age: 23 | Hometown: Portland, OR
B: S | T: R | HT: 6-2 | WT: 220
Before the Orioles made him the first overall pick in the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of Oregon State University, Rutschman burst onto the national stage in 2018 when he helped lead the Beavers to a College World Series title in his sophomore year. As a junior in 2019, he solidified his standing as the top MLB Draft prospect when he led Oregon State to its 20th NCAA Tournament appearance, winning the prestigious Golden Spikes Award, Dick Howser Trophy, and the Buster Posey award along the way. The switch-hitting backstop also led all of Division I in on-base percentage with a .575 clip.
When the Orioles called his name on the night of the Draft, Rutschman become only the second No. 1 overall pick in franchise history, joining Louisiana State University product Ben McDonald, the first pick in the 1989 Draft.
Currently, Rutschman is Ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect by Baseball America in the publication’s 2021 Top 100 Rankings. The No. 1 Orioles prospect by both Baseball America and MLB Pipeline, he spent the 2020 season at the Alternate Training Site at Double-A Bowie, where he continued his development despite the cancellation of the minor league season due to COVID-19. For the second straight year, Rutschman was a non-roster invitee to Orioles Spring Training.
What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
Playing games again.
Who have been the biggest influences in your career?
My dad and grandpa.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Hang out with friends and family.
Favorite baseball movie(s)? - The Natural
Favorite sport other than baseball?- Football
Favorite baseball player growing up? - Mariano Rivera
Favorite vacation spot? - Anywhere tropical
Favorite homemade meal? - Ribs
This or That?
Apple Music or Spotify
PlayStation or Xbox
Iced coffee or hot coffee
Steak or seafood
Cardio or weights
#2: RHP Grayson Rodriguez | Age: 21 | Hometown: Nacogdoches, Texas
B: L | T: R | HT: 6-5 | WT: 220
One year after being the 11th overall pick in the 2018 First-Year Player Draft out of Central Heights High School in Nacogdoches, Texas, Rodriguez was named the 2019 Jim Palmer Minor League Co-Pitcher of the Year, the award given to the club’s top minor league pitcher. He was also named the South Atlantic League’s Most Outstanding MLB Prospect after he pitched to a 10-4 record with a 2.68 ERA (28 ER/94.0 IP) and 129 strikeouts in 20 starts for Class-A Delmarva, his first full professional season.
Rodriquez was selected to participate in the 2019 Sirius/XM All-Star Futures Game in Cleveland, Ohio, in addition to being named both a Mid-Season and Postseason SAL All-Star. He spent the 2020 season at the Alternate Training Site at Double-A Bowie and was ranked as the No. 22 overall prospect in Baseball America’s 2021 Top 100 Rankings.
During the 2020-21 offseason, he stayed busy by attending the club’s Fall Instructional League camp in Sarasota, and training at a facility in Tyler, Texas.
What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
Getting back on the mound in front of real fans -- can’t wait!
Who have been the biggest influences in your career?
My father. He always pushed me when I thought I couldn’t go any further.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I love to hunt and spend time with my dog, Ace.
If you could trade places with any person for a day, who would it be?
Batman.
Favorite baseball movie? - Angels in the Outfield
Favorite sport other than baseball? - Football
Favorite type of music? - Country
Favorite baseball player growing up? - Josh Hamilton
Favorite homemade meal? - My grandmother’s chicken spaghetti
This or That?
Apple Music or Spotify
PlayStation or Xbox
Twitter or Instagram
Dogs or cats
Sneakers or boots
#3: LHP DL Hall | Age: 22 | Hometown: Valdosta, GA
B: L | T: L | HT: 6-2 | WT: 195
After being selected as the No. 21 Overall pick in the 2017 First-Year Player Draft out of Valdosta High School in Georgia, Hall broke into Baseball America’s Top 100 Prospects at No. 99 following the 2018 season, his first full season of professional baseball. Two years later, Hall has moved up 30 spots and is ranked No. 59 overall in Baseball America’s 2021 Top 100 Ranking.
Hall led the Carolina League in strikeouts per nine innings (12.94), among pitchers with at least 80.0 innings pitched in 2019. He was also selected to participate in the 2019 Sirius/XM All-Star Futures Game in Cleveland, Ohio, entering the game in the third inning and retiring all three batters he faced on 12 pitches. Hall spent the 2020 season at the Alternate Training Site at Double-A Bowie and participated in the team’s Fall Instructional League camp at the Ed Smith Stadium complex.
What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
Just getting back on the field and competing in front of great fans.
Who have been the biggest influences in your career?
My dad and coach Barth, who I met at a baseball tournament in high school. My dad and I immediately figured out that he was a genius. I ended up playing for him at Tri-State Arsenal for a fall season. He worked with me a couple times and the knowledge he had about the game was unreal. He coached Mike Trout and some other big names in his time at Tri-State. We still stay in contact and talk about pitching and other things. Any time I have questions, that’s who I go to!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Chill around the house, play the game with my boys back home, play basketball, watch YouTube.
Favorite baseball movie(s)? - The Sandlot
Favorite sport other than baseball? - Basketball
Favorite baseball player growing up? - Chipper Jones
Favorite vacation spot? - Mountains
Favorite homemade meal? - My mom’s homemade pizza
This or That?
Apple Music or Spotify
Twitter or Instagram
Iced coffee or hot coffee
Sneakers or boots
Sweater or hoodie
#4: OF Heston Kjerstad | Age: 22 | Hometown: Amarillo, Texas
B: L | T: R | HT: 6-3 | WT: 220
Despite missing out on his first professional season because of the cancellation of minor league games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kjerstad, the Orioles’ first round pick (2nd overall) in the 2020 First-Year Player Draft, is ranked as the No. 62 overall prospect in Baseball America’s 2021 Top 100.
Drafted out of the University of Arkansas, Kjerstad hit .448/.513/.791 (30-for-67) with five doubles, six home runs, 19 runs, and 20 RBI in 16 games during his junior season in 2020, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Entering his junior season, Kjerstad was named to the Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List, as well as being named a First-Team Preseason All-American by Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball, D1Baseball.com, and Perfect Game. As a sophomore in 2019, he helped lead Arkansas to their second straight College World Series appearance. His 17 home runs on the year were tied for second-most in the SEC. His 14 home runs as a freshman set a Razorback freshman single-season record, and his 87 hits tied the freshman single-season record.
What are you most looking forward to in being part of the Orioles organization?
Being able to play baseball again since our season got cut short, and also being a part of a great organization. As I’ve gotten to know Mike Elias and everyone in the organization a little bit better, it’s a great group of people and there are a lot of great prospects coming up. I think it’s something that’s going to be really fun to be a part of for years to come.
What was it like to be selected No. 2 overall in the 2020 First-Year Player Draft?
It was honestly surreal to have the opportunity to be drafted with the second overall pick. There were multiple emotions I was feeling: excitement, joy, and everything of that nature. It was definitely a surreal moment.
Who have been the biggest influences in your career?
My dad and mom.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.
Favorite sport other than baseball? - Just baseball
Favorite type of music? - All genres
Favorite baseball player growing up? - Derek Jeter
Favorite vacation spot? - The beach
Favorite homemade meal? - My mom’s cooking. It’s the best!
This or That?
Dine in or delivery
Dogs or cats
Steak or seafood
Sneakers or boots
Cardio or weights
#5: INF/OF Ryan Mountcastle | Age: 24 | Hometown: Winter Springs, FL
B: R | T: R | HT: 6-4 | WT: 230
Mountcastle, who ranks No. 63 overall on Baseball America’s 2021 Top 100 Ranking, made his Major League Debut on Aug. 21, 2020 vs. Boston. He went on to rank first among AL rookies (min. 110 PA) in OBP (.386), tied for first in three-hit games (5), second in OPS (.878), batting average (.333), and slugging (.492), third in multi-hit games (14), fifth in hits (42), tied for sixth in RBI (23), and eighth in home runs (5). He was voted to Baseball Digest’s 2020 MLB Rookie All-Star team as one of three outfielders and is an early favorite for Rookie of the Year in 2021.
Mountcastle found his stride in the month of September, leading the Orioles in hits (30) and RBI (19), while ranking tied for sixth in the AL in hits and tied for 10th in RBI during that stretch (26 games). He recorded his first home run and first multi-homer game in the same day, both coming on Aug. 30 at Toronto in Buffalo. He was the first Oriole to hit his first two career home runs in the same game since Manny Machado.
Before making his MLB debut in 2020, Mountcastle enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2019, in which he batted .312/.344/.527 (162-for-520) with 35 doubles, one triple, 25 home runs, 81 runs scored, and 83 RBI at Triple-A Norfolk. For his efforts, Mountcastle was named the Orioles Brooks Robinson Minor League Player of the Year and the International League’s Most Valuable Player, becoming the first Tides player to be named league MVP since INF/OF Roberto Petagine. Mountcastle also earned both Mid-Season and Postseason International League All-Star honors.
Mountcastle was the No. 26 overall pick in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft out of Paul J. Hagerty High School in Florida.
What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
I’m looking forward to hopefully playing in front of fans.
Who have been the biggest influences in your career?
My parents and a lot of my coaches have been big influences on my career.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to play Call of Duty and golf.
If you could trade places with any person for a day, who would it be?
Hunter Harvey.
Favorite baseball movie? - The Sandlot
Favorite sport other than baseball? - Football
Favorite type of music? - Rap
Favorite baseball player growing up? - Barry Bonds
Favorite homemade meal? - Goulash
This or That?
Apple Music or Spotify
PlayStation or Xbox
Twitter or Instagram
Sneakers or boots
Sweater or hoodie
#6: INF Gunnar Henderson | Age: 19 | Hometown: Montgomery, AL
B: L | T: R | HT: 6-2 | WT: 210
Henderson was selected in the second round of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of John T. Morgan Academy in Selma, Alabama, and went on to make his debut with the GCL Orioles that same year. Henderson’s impressive 2019 campaign and hard work at the Alternate Training Site at Double-A Bowie in 2020, as well as his performance in Sarasota during the Fall Instructional League camp, led to an invitation to Orioles Spring Training in 2021.
In 29 games for the GCL Orioles in 2019, Henderson batted .259 (28-for-108) with five doubles, two triples, one home run, 11 RBI, 11 walks, and 21 runs scored. Prior to being drafted, in his final season at John T. Morgan Academy, he helped lead the Senators to the 2019 Alabama Independent Schools Association Class AAA State Championship Series and was named to the 2019 Rawlings-Perfect Game Preseason All-American First Team and Southeast-All Region First Team.
What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
I am looking forward to getting back to playing real games and making an impact at whatever level I play.
Who have been the biggest influences in your career?
My parents.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy hunting and fishing in my spare time. I also enjoy helping my little brother with baseball.
If you could trade places with any person for a day, who would it be?
I would trade places with Dustin Johnson to see what it feels like to be good at golf.
Favorite baseball movie? - Field of Dreams
Favorite sport other than baseball? - Basketball
Favorite type of music? - Classic rock
Favorite baseball player growing up? - Corey Seager
Favorite homemade meal? - Sausage with cream corn made by my mom
This or That?
Apple Music or Spotify
Twitter or Instagram
Sneakers or boots
Sweater or hoodie
Cardio or weights
#7: OF Yusniel Diaz | Age: 24 | Hometown: Havana, Cuba
B: R | T: R | HT: 6-1 | WT: 215
After being traded to the Orioles from the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 18, 2018, Diaz was assigned to Double-A Bowie in 2018-19 before making his way to the 2020 Alternate Training Site. He hit .262 (75-for-286) with 19 doubles, four triples, 11 home runs, 53 RBI, 32 walks and 45 runs scored with Bowie in 2019.
The Orioles non-roster invitee to 2021 Spring Training ranked among 2019 Baysox team leaders in home runs (2nd, 11), RBI (3rd, 53), triples (T3rd, 4), extra-base hits (T4th, 34), walks (5th, 32), runs (T5th, 45), doubles (6th, 19), total bases (6th, 135) and hits (8th, 75). Diaz’s efforts led him to being named Eastern League Player of the Week (6/16/19) and an Orioles MiLB.com Organizational All-Star. Additionally, Diaz was selected to the MLB Future’s Game in 2018 and entered the 2019 campaign as the Orioles No. 1 prospect, according to Baseball America.
What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
Being healthy and hopefully playing in the big leagues with the team.
Who have been the biggest influences in your career?
Mike Trout, Adam Jones, Andrew McCutchen.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spend time with family, play PlayStation, and barbecue.
If you could trade places with any person for a day, who would it be?
Cristiano Ronaldo
Favorite baseball movie(s)? - 42
Favorite sport other than baseball? - Basketball and soccer
Favorite type of music? - Cuban music and hip Hop
Favorite baseball player growing up?- David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, and Alex Rodriguez
Favorite vacation spot? - I would like to travel the whole world. I don't have a favorite spot yet.
This or That?
Day or night game
Book or movie
Iced coffee or hot coffee
Steak or seafood
Cardio or weights
#8: RHP Mike Baumann | Age: 25 | Hometown: Mahtomedi, MN
B: R | T: R | HT: 6-4 | WT: 235
Baumann was selected in the third round of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft out of Jacksonville University, after previously being drafted out of Mahtomedi High School (MN) by the Minnesota Twins in 2014. The right-handed pitcher reached Double-A Bowie in 2019, where he was twice named an Eastern League Pitcher of the week (7/21, 8/18). Additionally, Baumann started 11 games for Class A-Advanced Frederick before his promotion, and was selected as a Mid-Season Carolina League All-Star and named the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week 5/5/19.
With Bowie in 2019, Baumann went 6-2 with a 2.31 ERA (18 ER/70.0 IP) and 65 strikeouts in 13 appearances (11 starts). The 2019 Orioles Jim Palmer Minor League Co-Pitcher of the Year tossed two complete game shutouts that year, including a 94-pitch no-hitter on 7/16/19 vs. HBG with 10 strikeouts. It was the first such game of his career and led to him being named the Orioles Minor League Pitcher of the Month for July 2019.
What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
Seeing fans at games.
Who have been the biggest influences in your career?
My dad and brother.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Play video games.
If you could trade places with any person for a day, who would it be?
The Rock.
Favorite baseball movie(s)? - Benchwarmers
Favorite sport other than baseball? - Football
Favorite type of music? - Country
Favorite baseball player growing up?- Joe Mauer
Favorite homemade meal? - Thanksgiving dinner by my mom.
This or That?
PlayStation or Xbox
Dogs or cats
Iced coffee or hot coffee
Steak or seafood
Cardio or weights
#9: RHP Dean Kremer | Age: 25 | Hometown: Stockton, CA
B: R | T: R | HT: 6-2 | WT: 200
Kremer made his Major League debut for the Orioles on Sept. 6, 2020 vs. New York-AL after being acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 18, 2020. The righty earned his first career win in that contest. In four starts for the Orioles last season, Kremer went 1-1 and sported a 4.82 ERA (10 ER/18.2 IP) with 22 strikeouts.
After earning the AFL Rising Stars Award in 2019, Kremer began the 2020 campaign at the Orioles Alternate Training Site at Double-A Bowie. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Kremer started 21 games between three levels of Baltimore’s system in 2019, ending the season with Triple-A Norfolk, where he was added to the Orioles 40-man roster.
What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
Looking forward not only to competing but hopefully to also compete in front of fans.
Who have been the biggest influences in your career?
Connor Mcguiness and Joey Skracic.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
This offseason I’ve explored a lot more stuff in the kitchen like cooking and bread baking.
Favorite baseball movie? - Major League
Favorite sport other than baseball? - Tennis
Favorite type of music? - Country/pop
Favorite vacation spot? - Israel
Favorite homemade meal? - Anything my mom makes.
This or That?
PlayStation or Xbox
Dine in or delivery
Dogs or cats
Iced coffee or hot coffee
Steak or seafood
#10: LHP Keegan Akin | Age: 25 | Hometown: Alma, MI
B: L | T: L | HT: 5-11 | WT: 235
Akin was selected in the second round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of Western Michigan University. The left-handed pitcher made his Major League debut for the Orioles on Aug. 14, 2020 vs. Washington before making his first Major League start on Aug. 31, 2020 at Toronto when he moved to the rotation. Akin went on to earn his first career win on Sept. 16, 2020 vs. Atlanta when he tossed 5.0 scoreless innings, giving up just three hits and a walk with a season-high nine strikeouts. Through eight games (six starts) with the Orioles, Akin went 1-2 and pitched to a 4.56 ERA (13 ER/25.2 IP) with 35 strikeouts.
In 2019, Akin spent the season with Triple-A Norfolk where he was named an International League Mid-Season All-Star and started the Triple-A All-Star game. After being named the 2018 Orioles Jim Palmer Minor League Co-Pitcher of the Year, Akin led the International League the following season with 131 strikeouts. In addition, he led the 2019 Tide in starts (24), innings pitched (112.1) and wins (6).
What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
Getting back to a somewhat normal season and hopefully seeing some fans in the stands.
Who have been the biggest influences in your career?
Dean Kreiner and Dar Peska have both helped me a lot from the beginning when I was younger.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m a huge outdoorsman so when it’s not baseball season you’ll find me doing something outdoors.
If you could trade places with any person for a day, who would it be?
Luke Combs. The man can sing and has his own Crocs shoe line.
Favorite baseball movie? - Bad News Bears
Favorite sport other than baseball? - Football
Favorite type of music? - Country
Favorite baseball player growing up? - Chipper Jones
Favorite homemade meal? - A ribeye steak medium rare with sweet potatoes and asparagus. Cooked by myself.
This or That?
Dogs or cats
Steak or seafood
Sneakers or boots
Sweater or hoodie
Cardio or weights