Youngsters shine in the first week-plus of Baltimore Orioles Spring Training
*Cover Photo: Ulysses Munoz, The Baltimore Banner
The grass is green, the sun is shining, and fans have broken out their Oriole orange in support of their hometown Baltimore Orioles, who are down in Sarasota, Florida, at Spring Training.
The favorites are back as Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday are getting prepared to lead the 2025 Orioles to glory. Mixed in with them at camp are a slew of Minor League hopefuls and top prospects getting an extensive look at big league life as invites. Now, some of them have been re-assigned to Minor League camp already, but they will remain involved with tons of veteran big league talent and well-rounded Orioles alumni as they prepare to join the Orioles in the near future.
As the first week-and-a-half of exhibition games has concluded, here are five standout performers who stood out in game scenarios. These consist of the Orioles' top prospects and non-roster invites.
C Samuel Basallo (3-for-8, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1.083 OPS)
The game's top catching prospect is on full display right now at camp. With Number 72 on his back, the 20-year-old has showed significant improvements in his defensive game behind the dish especially with blocking and pitch framing. The offense, which is his specialty, remains explosive as usual. He's hitting .375 and he hit a mammoth home run last Thursday that landed beyond the center field scoreboard at a projected 455 ft. and propelled the Orioles to an 11-8 win over the Blue Jays. Now, the hype around Basallo is getting serious, and Orioles fans are getting a good glimpse at an exciting prospect that could join the team by summer time.
RHP Justin Armbruester (2.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 2 K, 0.375 WHIP)
After an up-and-down 2024 season, this two-game appearance was great to see from the 26-year-old Armbruester. After posting a 5.2 BB/9 with Norfolk last season, the righty allowed just one free pass in the brief sample size that he saw on the bump early in Spring Training. He allowed no hits and worked fairly quickly and efficiently in games. His first appearance came in the Spring Training opener on February 22, and he tossed a scoreless 1-2-3 7th inning that required only five pitches. He has since then been reassigned to Minor League camp, but this is an encouraging sight to see out of a prospect arm who is poised to have a major 2025 season.
OF Dylan Beavers (3-for-8, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1.319 OPS)
The left-handed hitting outfielder was recently named the Orioles' sixth best prospect, and he showed why during exhibition play. He hit .375 with seven total bases and two extra base hits, one being a long ball. The ball was jumping off of his bat and his power stroke was on display as evidenced by his .875 slugging percentage. If there is any indication that the former first rounder wants in on the Orioles' playoff push this summer, then his five-game performance in Week 1 was a hint. He has since then been optioned to Minor League camp, but it is an encouraging start to the 2025 season for a highly-talented outfield prospect in Beavers.
OF Jud Fabian (2-for-5, 2 RBI, .625 OBP, 1.225 OPS)
The power-hitting Florida Gators alumn did not need home runs to produce in Spring Training when given the opportunities. He hit .400 while making contact with his quiet but elavated right-handed hack. His .625 OBP was propelled by three walks and three total bases, so it shows a more patient approach from Fabian who is more of a offense by production guy rather than offense by OBP and moving the chain. Fabian has since then been reassigned to Minor League camp, but it was a solid four-game run for the Orioles' top prospect outfielder.
OF Daz Cameron (5-for-9, 4 RBI, .778 SLG, 1.278 OPS)
The son of former MLB All-Star Mike Cameron, Daz has dazzled in six Spring Training games thus far. He is only a non-roster invite having been outrighted off the 40-man roster weeks before Spring Trainig began. Yet, the 2024 Norfolk Tide is hitting out of his mind vying for his contract to be selected. He's hitting .556 with 7 total bases and a pair of doubles. He's made it past the first round of roster cuts, and he will continue to compete for a roster spot through at least the next few weeks of Spring Training. His performance is contributing to what will be a hectic time for GM Mike Elias figuring out his Opening Day outfield.
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