Entering the 2023 season, the Orioles boasted a farm system riding high, with eight players in Baseball America’s top-100 prospects. At the peak were Gunnar Henderson, the No. 1 overall prospect; Grayson Rodriguez, a top-10 arm; Jackson Holliday, a rising star; Colton Cowser, a Rookie of the Year candidate in waiting; and the underrated Jordan Westburg at No. 76. By 2024, graduations trimmed that group, leaving only three Orioles in BA’s top-100: Coby Mayo and Samuel Basallo, alongside a new wave that was beginning to push its way into the spotlight.
With Mayo graduating this season, the Odorils faced a question: who would join Basallo among the top-ranked prospects? Baseball America’s recent rankings highlighted three Orioles on the rise, led by Nate George, a name that had flown under the radar for most observers.
Nate George
George has been described as one of the breakout stars of Baltimore’s lower minors this season. The 16th-round pick out of an Illinois prep school as recently as last year is now regarded as the Orioles’ 81st-best prospect in Baseball America’s rundown. His calling card has long been his speed, but he has shown notable improvement with the bat as well.
Across rookie ball and Single-A Delmarva, George has hit .352 with a .423 on-base percentage, totaling a .936 OPS. While he isn’t projected to be a 30-homer backstop down the line, his combination of speed and contact has allowed him to rack up 38 stolen bases and a balance of triples and doubles. MLB Pipeline notes his athleticism, and he has earned a promotion to High-A Aberdeen, where the 19-year-old will have a chance to continue showing five-tool potential.
Dylan Beavers
Beavers is a name Orioles fans know well. The 2022 first-round pick (No. 33 overall) has steadily advanced through the system. After spending a substantial chunk of time at Double-A, his numbers there weren’t eye-popping in 2024, but a move to Triple-A Norfolk sparked a breakout.
In 90 games with the Norfolk Tides, Beavers posted his best offensive numbers yet, posting a batting average over .300 and an OPS near .950. He finished with 18 home runs, 14 doubles, and 22 stolen bases, painting a picture of a player who could contribute at the big league level if given the opportunity. In Baseball America’s latest top-100, Beavers checks in at No. 83, a status that keeps him in play for potential Rookie of the Year consideration should he reach the majors and sustain strong performance. He’ll need to be on one more top-100 list to retain eligibility for the Rookie of the Year formula.
Esteban Mejia
Mejia stands out for projectability. The right-hander, signed internationally by the Orioles in 2024, made the BA top-100 at No. 95. Mejia’s fastball is the centerpiece—clocked at 102 mph with a slider touching 90 mph, a combination that has scouts excited about his ceiling.
In 13 starts this season at Single-A Delmarva, Mejia posted a 2.59 ERA, though his walk rate has been a concern, sitting above five walks per nine innings. The raw stuff is undeniable, and with continued refinement—especially in command and secondary pitches—Mejia could become a power arm Baltimore leverages in the years to come.
The bigger picture
Even as Baltimore’s once-stout group of top prospects has thinned due to graduations, the system remains fertile with young talent. George’s rapid rise from a late-round pick to a top-100 consideration, Beavers’ continued progression culminating in a strong Triple-A showing, and Mejia’s big-arm upside collectively illustrate that the Orioles’ development pipeline can push new players upward and keep the organization competitive down the road.
What this means going forward is that Baltimore’s minor-league ladder continues to offer potential big-league contributors, even as players move to the majors. The club’s ability to cultivate and promote from within will be tested, but the current trio of rising talents provides a hopeful sign that the pipeline can replenish itself with impact arms and impactful bats.
Additional thoughts
– George’s surge highlights the importance of developing speed into real hitting ability, a combination that could yield a breakout at higher levels if his bat lightens up further in higher minors.
– Beavers’ example at Norfolk shows that a strong Triple-A stint can bridge the gap to MLB, especially for players with a polished approach and the power to pair with speed on the bases.
– Mejia’s arm talent suggests the Orioles may be building a future rotation piece, provided he can harness his control and refine secondary offerings.
Overall takeaway: Baltimore’s farm system remains capable of delivering high-end upside through new names, even as the most prominent prospects graduate. The trajectory for these three rising talents—George, Beavers, and Mejia—offers reason for optimism about the organization’s ability to sustain competitive talent for the majors in the coming years.