X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Top 10 Baltimore Orioles Fantasy Baseball Prospects (2024)

Jackson Holliday - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Prospects

Eric Cross' ranks and discusses his top 10 prospects in the Baltimore Orioles organization for fantasy baseball. These are the prospects to monitor and target in dynasty leagues.

Welcome to my 2024 team-by-team prospect rankings. Over the next few months, I'll be going through all 30 MLB farm systems, ranking my top 10 in each system, and discussing the profiles and long-term outlooks of these players.

Per usual, this Baltimore system is absolutely loaded, primarily on the hitting side where they currently have six top-100 overall prospects and a few more that aren't far off. However, things aren't as rosy on the pitching side of the system now that Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish have graduated to the majors.

Check out the rest of the top 10s throughout the offseason here. If you want to see the full top 40 plus more rankings and content, then head on over to my Patreon!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Baltimore Orioles Top Prospects

1. Jackson Holliday, SS

Age on 4/1/2024: 20.3 | Highest Level: AAA | ETA: 2024

There's plenty of debate around who the top overall prospect in baseball is right now, and Jackson Holliday is firmly in that conversation along with Wyatt Langford and Junior Caminero. The second-generation star is arguably the best pure hitter in the minor leagues and he proved that in 2023 by slashing .323/.442/.499 in 581 plate appearances across four levels, ending the season with 18 games in Triple-A. Pretty impressive for a 19-year-old.

But outside of his elite hit tool, how much power Holliday will provide is the question. He's at least an average power bat with more projection left to add strength, but he simply cannot match the power upside that Langford and Caminero possess. But even as a 50-grade power bat, Holliday's upside is a .300+ hitter with 20 home runs and 25 steals annually.

2. Coby Mayo, 3B

Age on 4/1/2024: 22.3 | Highest Level: AAA | ETA: 2024

Every time I update my prospect rankings, Coby Mayo continues to wiggle his way higher each time. Ever since he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 draft, immense power has been Mayo's calling card and he flexed that power often in 2023 with 45 doubles and 29 home runs. Overall, Mayo led the entire minor leagues with 77 extra-base hits.

However, it's been the development of his contact skills and approach that really has me excited. Mayo's contact skills don't stand out, but he increased them to the 72-73% range, which is more than acceptable when they come with elite Quality of Contact metrics. He also increased his walk rate from 9.1% to 15.1% in 2023 while trimming his strikeout rate from 26% to 24.1%. This is a middle-of-the-order masher in the making with a .260/35+ upside.

3. Samuel Basallo, C/1B

Age on 4/1/2024: 19.6 | Highest Level: AA | ETA: 2025

This Baltimore Orioles system was already loaded on the hitting side and now they have another elite hitting prospect in Samuel Basallo. While playing most of the season at age 18, Basallo slashed a robust .313/.402/.551 with 26 doubles, 20 home runs, and 12 steals in 114 games. Basallo also demonstrated a sound approach at the plate with a 12.6% walk rate and 19.5% strikeout rate.

Basallo has a strong frame with plus or better raw power along with at least average contact skills. He was in the 70% contact rate range this season, but with his quality of contact, that rate should be fine moving forward as long as he continues showing advanced pitch recognition and swing decisions. This is the type of bat that would look phenomenal with catcher eligibility but still be able to make a nice impact as a first baseman as well.

4. Colton Cowser, OF

Age on 4/1/2024: 24.0 | Highest Level: MLB | ETA: Debuted

It's funny how a mere 77 plate appearances can cause a player's perceived value to shift so much. Cowser went from being a top-10 prospect in some rankings to someone whose value has dropped to the point where they're a great buy in dynasty leagues right now. Those 77 plate appearances of hitting .115 have made many forget that Cowser was a .298 hitter in the minor leagues with a .420 OBP over 258 games.

With that said, Cowser did swing a miss a bit too much and didn't post the greatest contact rates. But he still projects to hit around .260 or so while flirting with 20/20 annually given his average game power and above-average speed. Don't write him off for the underwhelming small sample size with Baltimore.

5. Heston Kjerstad, OF

Age on 4/1/2024: 25.1 | Highest Level: MLB | ETA: Debuted

After missing more than two calendar years due to the canceled 2020 season and subsequent health issues, Heston Kjerstad returned during the summer of 2022 and hit over .300 in both 2022 and 2023 before his promotion to Baltimore late in the 2023 season. I'm not expecting him to continue hitting north of .300, but Kjerstad has proven to be a better pure hitter than many, myself included, gave him credit for when he was a surprise #2 overall pick back in the 2020 draft.

Kjerstad fits your typical corner outfielder mold with plus power that he showed consistently in 2023 with an average EV close to 90 mph and a 90th percentile EV around 105 mph. He won't provide much speed, but Kjerstad could settle in as a .260/30 type for Baltimore.

6. Connor Norby, 2B

Age on 4/1/2024: 23.8 | Highest Level: AAA | ETA: 2024

Through his first 40 games in 2023, Connor Norby was hitting a respectable .263 but with a .377 SLG, .114 ISO, and a trio of home runs. Then, from May 20 through the end of the season, Norby slashed .305/.379/.537 with a .232 ISO and 19 home runs in 101 games. While Norby doesn't project as a major power source, he could certainly settle in as a 20-homer bat annually.

Outside of the power, Norby has shown above-average contact skills and around average speed. In 2023, Norby's contact rate was just over 75% in Triple-A and he also kept his strikeout rate in check at 21.3%. Long-term, Norby might not be a starting second baseman for fantasy, but he could be a nice middle infield option with .270/20/10+ upside.

7. Mac Horvath, 2B/3B

Age on 4/1/2024: 22.7 | Highest Level: Hi-A | ETA: 2025

Every so often, you have to plant your flag on certain prospects. Well, I'm planting a flag on former North Carolina standout Mac Horvath. When you combine his 2022 and 2023 collegiate numbers, Horvath combined for 42 home runs and 44 steals in 123 games and added another five home runs and 14 steals in 22 minor league games after the draft with a .321/.455/.603 slash line.

While Horvath does have some concerns in the contact department and had a sub-70% contact rate after the draft, his rates aren't exactly what I would deem terrible. And when you factor in his plus power and speed blend along with his ability to draw walks at a high clip, Horvath still has the makings of an impact player for fantasy purposes with a legit 25/25 upside. That could come with second-base eligibility, too. He's being severely undervalued in FYPDs and overall in prospect rankings.

8. Dylan Beavers, OF

Age on 4/1/2024: 22.7 | Highest Level: AA | ETA: 2025

If you're looking for a prospect who could be top-five in this organization by the end of the 2024 season, Dylan Beavers would be my selection. The 2022 first-round selection possesses a plus power/speed blend and has shown better contact skills than expected so far as a professional.

After slashing .322/.438/.460 in 23 games after the draft in 2022, Beavers followed that up with a .288/.383/.467 slash line in 2023 with 35 doubles, 11 home runs, and 27 steals in 119 games between Hi-A and Double-A. Beavers also showed a solid approach in 2023 with a 13.3% walk rate and 22.1% strikeout rate. If Beavers can maintain his approach and start translating his raw power into game power more consistently in 2024, he could jump inside my top 50 overall prospect rankings.

9. Enrique Bradfield Jr., OF

Age on 4/1/2024: 22.3 | Highest Level: Hi-A | ETA: 2025

We shift from one FYPD bat to another with Enrique Bradfield. The former Vanderbilt center fielder and 2023 17th overall pick immediately joined the discussion for the fastest prospect in baseball with no doubt 80-grade speed along with a high baserunning IQ and efficiency stealing bases. In his 143 stolen base attempts in college, Bradfield was only caught 13 times and was successful on 90.9% of his attempts. It also helps that he's a high OBP player who posted a .426 OBP and more walks (131) than strikeouts (122) while at Vanderbilt.

But while the contact skills, on-base abilities, and speed are all prevalent, Bradfield gets dinged for his minimal power output and projection. I'm not one who believes he'll be a zero in the power department, however, and probably flirts with double-digit homers annually. If that is indeed the case, Bradfield could wind up as a top-100 overall fantasy player.

10. Joey Ortiz, SS

Age on 4/1/2024: 25.7 | Highest Level: MLB | ETA: Debuted

With all the big names in this Baltimore farm system, Joey Ortiz has continuously flown under the radar in prospect rankings, including in mine. After a breakout 2022 where he slashed .284/.349/.477 with 35 doubles, 19 home runs, and eight steals, Ortiz hit .321 in 88 Triple-A games in 2022 while ranking up nine home runs, 11 steals, and a whopping 30 doubles.

While Ortiz doesn't have any standout tools, he's at least average across the board and can play multiple infield positions. I'm anticipating he turns into Baltimore's version of Chris Taylor with a similar offensive upside. Don't sleep on him.

If you enjoyed these rankings and want to see the full top 40 along with additional rankings, analysis, and more, check out Eric's Toolshed Fantasy Patreon.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Xazavian Valladay

Waived by Saints
Tre' McKitty

Released by Browns
Chig Okonkwo

Building Chemistry with Cam Ward
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Add Perrion Winfrey.
Jake Ferguson

Hindered by Knee Issue in 2024
Jamahal Hill

Set For UFC Azerbaijan Main Event
Khalil Rountree Jr.

A Favorite At UFC Azerbaijan
Ignacio Bahamondes

Set For UFC Azerbaijan Co-Main Event
Rafael Fiziev

In Dire Need Of Victory
Rizvan Kuniev

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Curtis Blaydes

A Huge Favorite
Tofiq Musayev

Makes His UFC Debut At UFC Azerbaijan
Myktybek Orolbai

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Nikolas Motta

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Nazim Sadykhov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Bogdan Grad

Set For His Second UFC Appearance
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Set for More Testing After HBP
Muhammad Naimov

Set To Open Up UFC Azerbaijan Main Card
Julius Randle

Naz Reid and Julius Randle Expected to Return to the Timberwolves
T.J. McConnell

Keys Pacers Bench in Big Win
Jalen Williams

Struggles in Game 6 Loss
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Can't Close Out Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton

Helps the Pacers Push the Thunder to Game 7
Obi Toppin

Drops 20 Points in Pacers Win
Pascal Siakam

Powers Pacers to Game 6 Win
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Goes Eight Strong Innings in Win Over Marlins
Andre Granillo

Notches First Career Win, Then First Career Save in Doubleheader
Aaron Rodgers

Steelers Offense Could Look to get the Ball Out of Aaron Rodgers' Hand Quickly
Joe Mixon

to be Ready at Some Point During Training Camp
Alejandro Kirk

Slugs Two Home Runs in Loss
Emery Jones Jr.

Ravens "Hopeful" Emery Jones Jr. Will be Ready for Training Camp
Jac Caglianone

Smacks Two Solo Homers
Tyquan Thornton

Andy Reid Impressed by Tyquan Thornton
James Wood

Blasts Two Homers
Shedeur Sanders

has Multiple Speeding Tickets
Byron Buxton

Homers Twice in Win
Travis Kelce

Chiefs Not Looking to Limit Travis Kelce's Snap Count
Josh Simmons

Will be Ready for Training Camp
Kristian Campbell

Red Sox Sending Kristian Campbell to Triple-A
Sal Cannella

Browns Sign UFL Standout Tight End Sal Cannella
Jonathan Ward

Steelers Release Jonathan Ward
Treylon Burks

Looking to Prove Himself Right
Gabriel Moreno

Diamondbacks Put Gabriel Moreno on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Contusion
Robert Rochell

Agrees on One-Year Deal With Cowboys
Seth Green

Signs With Saints
Sam Darnold

Knows he Must Prove Himself Again
C.J. Mosley

Hangs Up his Cleats
Rashee Rice

to be Full-Go at Training Camp
Corbin Carroll

Injures Hand on Wednesday, X-Rays Come Back Negative
Michael King

Likely Out Through All-Star Break
Tyrese Haliburton

Officially Questionable for Game 6
Bucky Irving

Not Resting on Laurels Ahead of Second Season
Maverick McNealy

May Need To Be Avoided at TPC River Highlands
MLB

Brewers-Cubs Postponed on Wednesday
MLB

Cardinals-White Sox Postponed on Wednesday
Wyndham Clark

Avoid Wyndham Clark at the Travelers Championship
Rickie Fowler

a Very Risky Option at TPC River Highlands
Russell Henley

Has Elite Value at TPC River Highlands
Ben Griffin

Once Again a Solid Option for Travelers Championship
Jason Day

an Intriguing Option at TPC River Highlands
MLB

Pirates-Tigers Postponed on Wednesday
PGA

Sungjae Im Still Totally Useless For DFS Ahead of Travelers Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Looking to Bounce Back After Messy U.S. Open
Ryan Fox

Looks to Continue Hot Run at TPC River Highlands
Jordan Spieth

Makes a Strong Case at Travelers Championship
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks to Continue Momentum Into Travelers Championship
Hideki Matsuyama

Searching for Consistency at Travelers Championship
Justin Thomas

Looks to Bounce Back at Travelers Championship
Adam Scott

Looks to Rebound After Disappointing U.S. Open Finish
Collin Morikawa

Eyeing Another Strong Performance at Travelers
Shane Lowry

a High-Upside Play at Travelers
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Travelers
Corey Conners

Withdraws from Travelers with Wrist Injury
Keegan Bradley

in Solid Form Ahead of Travelers Championship
Gary Woodland

Hit-or-Miss at the Travelers
Sepp Straka

Expected to Contend at Travelers Championship
Tyrese Haliburton

to Be a Game-Time Call Thursday
Roman Josi

Expects to Return for 2025-26 Campaign
Sam Bennett

Wins Conn Smythe Trophy
Matthew Tkachuk

Reveals Multiple Injuries
Aleksander Barkov

Posts Two Assists in Cup-Clinching Win
Carter Verhaeghe

Collects Hat Trick of Assists in Tuesday's Win
Sam Reinhart

Scores Four Goals in Cup-Clincher
Cal Raleigh

Homers, Drives in Six on Tuesday
Andy Pages

Homers Twice in Win Over Padres
Cam Smith

Private: Cam Smith Doubles, Homers Twice, Drives in Three on Tuesday
Cam Smith

Launches Two Home Runs in Victory
Salvador Perez

Homers Twice, Plates Four Tuesday
Michael Toglia

Homers Twice, Plates Three Tuesday
John Klingberg

Rejoins Oilers Lineup Tuesday
Kasperi Kapanen

Returns to Oilers Lineup for Game 6
Stuart Skinner

Back in Oilers Crease Tuesday
Chet Holmgren

Has Tough Shooting Night in Game 5 Against Pacers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Outstanding at Both Ends Monday
Jalen Williams

Erupts for 40 Points in Game 5 Win
Pascal Siakam

Has Best Game of Finals Monday
Tyrese Haliburton

Determined to Battle Through Calf Injury
LeBron James

Progressing Well From Knee Injury
Stephen Curry

"Not Even Close" to Retirement
Jonathan Kuminga

Linked to Bulls, Heat
Kevin Durant

Has "No Desire" to be Traded to Minnesota
Jarace Walker

Remains Sidelined for Game 5
Kamaru Usman

Gets Back In The Win Column
Joaquin Buckley

Winning Streak Comes To An End
Miranda Maverick

Drops Decision At UFC Atlanta
Rose Namajunas

Wins Decision At UFC Atlanta
Andre Petroski

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Edmen Shahbazyan

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Raoni Barcelos

Wins Third Fight In A Row
Chase Elliott

Ends Mexico City with A Great Finish of Third
Christopher Bell

has A Strong Runner-Up Performance At Mexico City
Chase Briscoe

Wild Day Ends with A Top-10 Finish
Michael McDowell

Leaves Mexico City with A Top-Five Finish
Cody Garbrandt

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Cody Brundage

Defeated After Accidental Clash Of Heads
Alex Bowman

Delivers Bravura Performance After Michigan Injury
Tyler Reddick

Inexplicably Mediocre on his Once-Best Track Type
John Hunter Nemechek

Canny Strategy Gives John Hunter Nemechek Best Career Road-Course Finish
Cole Custer

Earns Best Finish Since Cup-Series Comeback at Mexico City
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

on the Move to Memphis
Cole Anthony

Dealt to the Grizzlies
Ty Dillon

Is a Respectable Cap Flexiblity-Focused DFS Option For Mexico City
Corey Perry

Produces 10th Postseason Goal
Connor McDavid

Scores First Finals Goal
John Hunter Nemechek

Is John Hunter Nemechek Worth Rostering In Mexico City DFS Lineups?
Sam Bennett

Nets Another Road Goal in Game 5 Win
Eetu Luostarinen

Earns Two Points Saturday
Brad Marchand

Pots Two Goals in Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Ties NHL Record with 10th Road Win
Ross Chastain

Trackhouse Racing's Mexico Focus Makes Ross Chastain a Leading Contender for the Win
Kyle Busch

One of Two Past Mexico City Winners in the Field
Ryan Preece

Earns Surprising Front-Row Start
Austin Cindric

Not as Strong of a Road Racer as People Think
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Stronger on Infield Road Courses Than Purpose-Built Ones
Joey Logano

Seemingly Alternating Between Good and Mediocre Races
Brad Keselowski

One of the Few Drivers with Mexico City Experience
Denny Hamlin

Ryan Truex Makes First Cup Series Start Since 2014
Erik Jones

Mexico City Will Likely be a Struggle for Erik Jones
Noah Gragson

Front Row Motorsports' Speed May Make Noah Gragson a Decent DFS Option
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Road Courses Are Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s Worst Track Type
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF