Baltimore Orioles: Six Prospects Likely To Debut in 2020

Mason McCoy’s defensive abilities could help the Baltimore Orioles.

I’m going to beat the Mason McCoy drum until he proves me wrong. No public scouting report believes McCoy will be an everyday shortstop in the major leagues, but he can still develop into a reliable option off the bench, especially with his defensive abilities.

Currently nominated for a MiLBY for this unbelievable play, McCoy’s defense is major league ready. However, his bat is the question. McCoy isn’t going to give you much power (9 HR in 309 games), but he is able to use the entire field to get on base. He owns a career slash line of .282/.346/.379 with a strikeout rate of under 17% and 30 stolen bases to his name.

Like Bannon, if Villar and/or Alberto are moved, the Orioles will need McCoy to fill that void up the middle. In another season where the Orioles could flirt with 100 losses again, I rather watch McCoy get an opportunity than another Alcides Escobar type veteran option.

More from Birds Watcher

• Baltimore Orioles Sign RP Mychal Givens
• Gunnar Henderson: Destroyer of Four-Seam Fastballs
• Which Current Baltimore Orioles Pitchers Have the Best Curveballs?
• Orioles News: Should the O’s Pursue Eovaldi? + More MLB News
• Should the Baltimore Orioles Consider Signing Nathan Eovaldi?

McCoy joined Bannon and outfielder T.J. Nichting in the Arizona Fall League this fall, joining pitchers Dean Kremer, David Lebron, Cody Carroll, and Alex Wells.

There are a few others who could put on Baltimore Orioles uniform next season but look more like locks for 2021. Pitchers Zac Lowther, Michael Baumann, and Alex Wells all dominated in Double-A, but have yet to make an appearance in Triple-A. Mike Elias seems pretty determined not to rush any prospect, so a full season with Norfolk, like Akin did this season, seems more likely for this trio.

Looks like I will have to make a few more trips back home to Norfolk to visit the family this year.

There’s also outfielder Yusniel Diaz. Injuries limited his playing time last season and while he finished the season in the Bowie lineup during their playoff run, he wasn’t healthy. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Diaz start the year in Bowie again before spending the majority of the year in Triple-A.

With Anthony Santander, Austin Hays, DJ Stewart (when healthy), and others all fighting for playing time in the outfield, there’s no pressing need to bring him up in 2020, unless he forces the hand of leadership with an out of this world performance.

Want to join a growing community of Baltimore Orioles fans? Head on over to Twitter and give us a follow @BirdsWatcherFS!