👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Baltimore Orioles Top MLB Prospects for 2018 Dynasty Leagues

Howdy fellow RotoBallers! Fresh off the release of the final dynasty positional rankings list, I am publishing my rankings for each individual team in baseball, starting with the American League East.

Instead of giving full briefs of each prospect, I will just give the prospects' superlatives and then issue smaller descriptions for each player in the top 10.

The first prospect list I am going to go over will be the Baltimore Orioles, followed by the rest of the American League East. To read more about my prospect coverage, click here.

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

 

Baltimore Orioles Top Prospects for Dynasty Leagues

Top Overall Talent: Austin Hays

Top Prospect to Debut in 2018: Austin Hays

No one believed Hays would be the first prospect drafted in the 2016 class to reach the majors. He made a meteoric rise through the minors, crushing Advanced Class-A pitching before being promoting to Double-A and then eventually the majors. He mashed 33 home runs between the three levels and hit .297 along the way. His walk rate was below 5 percent, but also ran a sub-20 percent strikeout rate. His tools don’t jump off the page, but he makes consistent contact and has shown an ability to drive the ball for power. He might begin 2018 at Triple-A, but should not take long until he is back in the majors for good.

Top Prospect who won’t debut in 2018: D.L. Hall

The Orioles’ first-round pick in the 2017 draft, Hall threw only 10.1 innings at Rookie ball, and it went poorly. He struck out 12, but walked 10 and gave up 10 hits. But that should not be too indicative of how he is expected to pitch moving forward. Hall has a low-90s fastball that should gain some velocity as he develops and a hard curveball that is an above-average pitch already. He still has work to do with his control and changeup, but those are both issues typical of younger pitchers and Hall is still only 19 years old. He still has plenty of time to develop into a No. 3 pitcher and could be a reliable arm for dynasty owners.

Biggest Boom or Bust: Hunter Harvey

No one has ever denied the talent Harvey possesses in his right arm. He has an outstanding fastball/curveball combination, an improving changeup and controls his pitches well. He has all the makings of a front-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. Except health. That he lacks. Since the end of the 2014 season in which he threw a career-high 87.2 innings, Harvey has thrown just 31.1 innings. He dealt with an elbow strain, had Tommy John surgery and then focused 2017 more on strength and conditioning than actual pitching. If he can return to the mound, he has the stuff to make quick work of the minors and reach the big leagues shortly. But at this point, counting on him to stay healthy is anything but a safe bet.

Biggest Sleeper: D.J. Stewart

Stewart was hyped up for a while when he was selected 25th overall in the 2015 draft, but failed to produce much in 2016, dimming his shine. But in his age-23 season at Double-A, he put together his best season yet, slashing .278/.378/.481 with 21 home runs and 20 stolen bases with just a 16.1 percent strikeout rate and 12 percent walk rate. That campaign did a lot to ease the minds of many who owned Stewart and were worried about his falling stock. Many other owners have jumped ship, but the tools are still there for Stewart to be a regular in the majors with some power and speed.

 

Top Prospect Hitters

Best Power Hitter: Austin Hays

Most Likely to Hit over .300: Austin Hays

As discussed earlier, Hays has shown he can do a little bit of everything at the plate. He does not walk as much as dynasty owners would like to see, but he makes up for it by consistently driving the ball with authority and should make enough contact to hit for a high average. Hays hits for plenty of power and appears to have a floor of 15 home runs per season with the chance to hit upwards of 25-30. He is not a typical No. 3 or 4 hitter, but instead could be a No. 2 hitter in front of a potent lineup.

Best Burner on the Bases: Cedric Mullins

The Orioles have several potent power bats, but not many speedsters. Mullins does classify as a burner, but he would probably not be in many other systems. He swiped 30 bags in 2016 at Class-A, but just nine in 2017 at Double-A. His speed grades out as above-average by scouts and he should be able to be at least a 15-base stealer when he reaches the majors. Mullins also comes with a little bit of pop and the ability to make enough contact to stay atop a big-league lineup in the future. He is not an 80-grade or even 70-grade burner, but owners of Mullins will be able to profit from a handful of stolen bases from him if he reaches the majors.

 

Top Prospect Pitchers

Strikeout Machine: Tanner Scott

Anytime a pitcher has a strikeout rate above 10 batters per nine innings, the label of “strikeout machine” would seem about accurate. Scott has on a regular basis torn through batters with ease, using his upper-90s fastball to blow right past hitters. The southpaw lacks a dominant offspeed pitch, however, and his control is downright terrible. He has never walked fewer than 10 percent of batters faced in a season. Scott will miss plenty of bats, but those two issues will almost certainly relegate him to the bullpen.

Best Command: Alex Wells

Remember when I said Scott walks more than 10 percent of batters faced? Wells does not. In 140 innings pitched at Class-A in 2017, Wells walked just 10 batters, good for a 1.8 percent walk rate. He did this while striking out 20.6 percent of opposing hitters, a solid rate for a control specialist. Wells only has one pitch that is considered much more than above-average — his changeup — and does not overwhelm batters. His fastball sits only in the upper-80s/low-90s, and that will limit his upside. But if he continues to show an ability to locate extremely well with his pitches, he could reach a big-league rotation.

 

Top 10 Dynasty Prospects for the Baltimore Orioles

1. Austin Hays (OF, MLB)
ETA: 2018
With the ability to make consistent contact and hit with power, Hays has the chance to be an electric, middle-of-the-order contributor for dynasty owners.

2. Ryan Mountcastle (SS/3B/OF, AA)
ETA: 2018
Left field might be Mountcastle’s future home, but his bat will play anywhere. His offensive output might be just a step below Hays with just a tad more risk due to a lack of walks.

3. Chance Sisco (C, MLB)
ETA: 2018
Contact-first catcher who is expected to start behind the dish in 2018, Sisco is valuable as a catcher due to high floor as a hitter. But a move off the position (especially to first base) tanks his value.

4. Cedric Mullins (OF, AA)
ETA: 2018
Under-sized speedster could be a 10/20 hitter or better at the top of the Orioles’ lineup if he can stay healthy.

5. Anthony Santander (OF, AA)
ETA: 2019
Powerful bat could be a 25-plus home run hitter annually, but will need to rely on bat to push him through the minors due to poor defense.

6. Hunter Harvey (SP, A)
ETA: 2019
Upside remains high with Harvey, but time is ticking as he approaches mid-20s and health still has not come for the talented starter.

7. D.L. Hall (SP, R)
ETA: 2021
Hall has the makings of a future No. 2 or 3 starting pitcher, but at age 19, he still has a long ways to go before he’s ready.

8. Adam Hall (SS, R)
ETA: 2021
Shortstop still has room to grow in 6-foot frame and develop into top-of-the-order speedster with 10/25 upside.

9. Jomar Reyes (1B/3B, A+)
ETA: 2019
Defensive issues and lack of power development have dimmed the shine of Reyes, but he could still develop into an above-average regular for dynasty owners.

10. Tanner Scott (SP/RP, MLB)
ETA: 2018
Explosive starter could be a strikeout machine if he ever learned how to control his arsenal, but Scott appears destined for the bullpen.

 

Conclusion

Baltimore’s farm system is about as strong now as it has been in many years. It has two of the best bats in the minors as well as a top 10 catching prospect. Dynasty owners will find better organizations for arms with each of the best pitchers in this system coming with some sort of risk (age, injuries, bullpen, etc.). The Orioles might lose each of its top four prospects to graduation by the end of the year. But with the 11th overall pick in the draft, they have a chance to further re-stock their system if they do well in the draft again.

 

More 2018 Dynasty Baseball Strategy




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Gunnar Hoglund

Dealing with Knee Injury
Jacob Lopez

Throwing Live Batting Practice, Nearing Spring Debut
Matt Boldy

Makes History With Another Four-Point Performance
Jake Guentzel

Sets Up Three Goals Thursday
Leon Draisaitl

Tallies Four Points Against Kings
Joel Kiviranta

Sustains Undisclosed Injury Thursday
Filip Gustavsson

Makes Late Exit Thursday
Colt Emerson

Heating Up at Spring Training
Joel Armia

Sustains Upper-Body Injury
Samuel Basallo

Not Expected to Undergo Further Testing
Charlie Condon

Enjoying Hot Start to Spring Games
Drew Doughty

Exits Heavy Loss With Lower-Body Injury
Aidan Miller

Remains Without a Timetable
Andrew Painter

to Make Spring Debut on Sunday
Carson Benge

Making Strong Case to Earn Starting Role
Jaxson Hayes

Good to Go Thursday Night
Josh Jung

Pulled as a Precaution With Hamstring Injury
Robert Williams III

Donovan Clingan Out, Robert Williams III and Yang Hansen Cleared
Sean Manaea

Trying to Return to Previous Arm Slot
Patrick Williams

Jalen Smith, Patrick Williams Out At Least One Week
Keldon Johnson

is Active on Thursday
Khris Middleton

Available Thursday Against Sacramento
Cody Ponce

Throws an Inning in Spring Debut
Daniel Gafford

Ruled Out Thursday vs. Kings
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Remains Out on Thursday
Stephon Castle

Cleared to Play Thursday vs. Nets
Davion Mitchell

is Available on Thursday
Joel Embiid

is Cleared for Thursday's Game
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Off the Injury Report for Friday
Norman Powell

Active On Thursday
Zaccharie Risacher

Available Against Washington
Andrew Nembhard

Set to Suit Up Thursday
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Won't Play on Thursday
Zack Wheeler

Targeting Early Return?
Obi Toppin

Cleared to Play Thursday
Pascal Siakam

Unavailable Again on Thursday
Nolan McLean

Dominant in First Spring Outing
Dylan Holloway

Rejoins Blues Lineup Thursday
Jalen Suggs

Returning on Thursday Night
Simon Edvinsson

Back in Red Wings Lineup Thursday
Adam Fox

Ready to Face Flyers
Rui Hachimura

Ruled Out Thursday
Igor Shesterkin

Available Thursday
Kris Letang

Returns to Action Thursday
Tim Stützle

Tim Stutzle a Game-Time Call Thursday
Patrick Williams

Will Not Be Available on Thursday
Nathan MacKinnon

Expected to Play Thursday
Malik Monk

Uncertain for Thursday Against Dallas
Merrill Kelly

Diamondbacks Holding Out Hope Merrill Kelly Can Avoid the Injured List
Samuel Basallo

Dealing With Abdominal Discomfort
Konnor Griffin

"Trending Toward Being" Opening Day Shortstop
Royce Lewis

Scratched With Tightness in his Side
Ashton Jeanty

Not in Line for Workhorse Role in 2026?
Samuel Basallo

Injured in Spring Game on Thursday
Ryan Weathers

Looks Sharp in Spring Debut
Mike Trout

Moving Around the Outfield This Spring
Nick Kurtz

A's Offer Long-Term Extension to Nick Kurtz
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Colts Give Anthony Richardson Sr. Permission to Seek a Trade
Brock Nelson

Produces 30th Goal of the Campaign
Nikita Kucherov

Extends Point Streak to 11 Games
Tage Thompson

Leads Sabres Past Devils
Wyatt Johnston

Pots Two Goals in Wednesday's Win
Ryan Lindgren

Exits Early Wednesday
Alex Newhook

Expected to Return Thursday
Robert Thomas

Takes Leave of Absence
Kyler Murray

Prefers to be Released
Derek Carr

"Strong Belief" That Derek Carr is "Very Serious" About Unretiring
Andy Dalton

Is Andy Dalton Available for a Trade?
Keith Mitchell

Making The Comfortable Return to PGA National
CFB

Chandler Morris Suing NCAA for Seventh Year of Eligibility
Chris Kirk

Searching for a Spark at Cognizant Classic
Brooks Koepka

Making Third PGA Tour Start at Cognizant Classic
Mackenzie Hughes

a Steady Option at Cognizant Classic
Seamus Power

Seeking More Green in Florida
PGA

Haotong Li Back From a Break as Florida Stretch Starts
Stephan Jaeger

Trying to Put Four Rounds Together in Florida
PGA

Nico Echavarria Again Attempting to Make the Weekend
Patrick Fishburn

Looking for a Spark at Cognizant Classic
Blades Brown

Set for Cognizant Classic Debut
Michael Thorbjornsen

Looking to Bounce Back at Cognizant Classic
Maxx Crosby

Raiders Expect Maxx Crosby to Return
Billy Horschel

Looks to Improve Season at Cognizant Classic
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Falcons Place Franchise Tag on Kyle Pitts Sr.
Joe Highsmith

Returns to Defend at Cognizant Classic
Quinshon Judkins

Out of Walking Boot, Will be Ready for Training Camp
Breece Hall

Jets Will Use Franchise Tag on Breece Hall if Extension isn't Reached
Joel Dahmen

Needs Better Consistency Heading Into The Florida Swing
Daniel Berger

Looks to Improve Putting as PGA Tour Begins Its Florida Swing
Kirk Cousins

Falcons Plan to Release Kirk Cousins
Zach Ertz

Plans to Return for 14th Season
Davis Thompson

Struggling to Find Birdies as Florida Looms
Tom Kim

Not Quite Cutting It in 2026
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Build Momentum from Scottsdale
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Returns After Extended Break for Florida Event
CFB

Gunner Rivers Follows His Father, Commits To North Carolina State
Will Zalatoris

Set to Make Tournament Debut at Cognizant Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

Trending Up at the Cognizant Classic
Anthony Hernandez

Suffers Third-Round TKO Loss
Sean Strickland

Gets Back In The Win Column
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Falcons Planning to Use Franchise Tag on Kyle Pitts Sr.
Geoff Neal

Suffers Back-To-Back Knockout Losses
Uros Medic

Shines At UFC Houston
Dan Ige

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Melquizael Costa

Extends His Win Streak To Six
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Falls Short of Victory at EchoPark Speedway
Carson Hocevar

Rallies to Fourth At EchoPark Speedway After Early Struggles
Ross Chastain

Finishes Third At EchoPark Speedway
Chase Briscoe

Scores First Career Top-Five Finish at EchoPark Speedway
Tyler Reddick

Nabs His Second Win of the Season At EchoPark Speedway
Joey Logano

Will Be Popular DFS Pick at EchoPark Speedway
Tyler Reddick

on Pole After Qualifying Rained Out at EchoPark Speedway
Chase Elliott

Could Chase Elliott Be Worth Rostering At EchoPark Speedway?
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering for DFS at EchoPark Speedway?
William Byron

Is William Byron Worth Rostering for DFS at EchoPark Speedway?
Rondale Moore

Passes Away
Denny Hamlin

Is Worth Consideration for EchoPark Speedway DFS Lineups
Brad Keselowski

Is A Tournament Option for DFS At EchoPark Speedway
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Rosterable In DFS At EchoPark Speedway?
Austin Cindric

Should DFS Managers Roster Austin Cindric at EchoPark Speedway?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain A Sneaky DFS Option for EchoPark Speedway?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Worth Rostering for DFS at EchoPark Speedway?
Alex Bowman

Will Start Towards the Rear At EchoPark Speedway
Javonte Williams

Cowboys Sign Javonte Williams to Three-Year, $24 Million Extension
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF