Baltimore Orioles: Top 3 Minor League Prospects

It is common knowledge that the Baltimore Orioles may have a problem at first base if Chris Davis leaves the organization this off-season. It is also well known that the Orioles pitching rotation has some holes in it and could use help, especially if Chen does not re-sign with the club.

However, all is not lost. The Orioles farm system is full of talented players and some of those players have been seen on the main stage before. Unfortunately, due to injury, these prospects have had a hard time making it out of the minors for good.

If the O’s happen to lose some of their star players this off-season, there are very qualified up-and-coming athletes to fill the roster. With that being said, here is a list of Orioles minor league players that have a real chance to play with the big boys next season.

Hunter Harvey

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Specs:

Right-handed Pitcher
Drafted in 2013
20 years old
6’3” 175 lbs.
Current team: Frederick Keys

Hunter Harvey was drafted in the first round of the 2013 draft by the Baltimore Orioles. He has tremendous upside but has been plagued with injury since 2014.

Harvey comes equipped with a fastball that averages 90-95 mph, a buckling curveball and a change up that matches that of any starting major league pitcher. With a three-pitch resume like this an eye should be kept on this Frederick Keys ace.

Harvey is estimated to be in the Orioles everyday rotation within a year, or two. He may have already been a staple in the O’s rotation if it were not for a strained flexor mass in his right elbow that ended his 2014 season. He also experienced a fibula fracture and a repeat of his previous flexor injury that left him riding the pine for most the 2015 season.

Harvey has a record of 7-6 with an ERA of 2.87 in 113 innings over two seasons in the minors. If Harvey can stay healthy this year he could be found on the O’s roster at the start of the 2017 season.

Dylan Bundy

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Specs:

Right-handed Pitcher
Drafted in 2011
22 years old
6’1” 200 lbs.
Current team: Bowie Baysox

Most likely the first player to establish a starting position for the Baltimore Orioles on this list is Dylan Bundy. Bundy played for the O’s in 2012 but only pitched 1 2/3 innings before he was sent back to the minors.

Since then Bundy has undergone Tommy John surgery and has experienced some shoulder inflammation which has left him in the minors longer than scheduled.

So with the surgery, injury and lack of experience, why do I think he will be placed into the starting rotation? The simple answer is, Bundy can deal.

His pitching repertoire consists of a fastball that reaches 98 mph, a nose-to-toes curveball and change up that is more than above average. Even though he is currently found playing for the Bowie Baysox, I would not be surprised to see him make an appearance on the O’s roster as soon as this upcoming opening day.

Christian Walker

Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Specs:

First base
Drafted in 2012
24 years old
6’0” 220 lbs.
Current team: Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles acquired Christian Walker in the fourth round of the 2012 draft. Walker was a 2-time national champion when he played at the University of South Carolina. He made his debut for the Orioles in 2014 and played 6 games at first base.