Orioles’ new top prospect has one big hurdle to overcome to earn his status

Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers have both graduated from prospect status. In the vast majority of prospect rankings, those two were the Baltimore Orioles' top two, and with them no longer being prospects, the Orioles have a new top prospect: Nate George.

As a high school prospect in a cold-weather state, George flew under the radar in the draft until the Orioles took a flyer on him in the 16th round. Once he started playing in the minors, he flew up prospect rankings, showing off his speed in the field and on the base paths. He also hit well above what anyone expected from a late round pick high school pick.

Speed and defense can only take Orioles prospect Nate George so far

Speed, defense, and a solid hit tool offer the makings of a high floor for a prospect, but George's ascension is not based on evaluators believing he's a finished product. They're seeing what he's doing now as a teenager, and projecting further development.

If George remains a speedy, slap hitting centerfielder, he'll progress through the minors and eventually be a major leaguer. But without the addition of some power, the shine will wear off quickly.

Fellow Orioles prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr. went through something similar. Once it was apparent that he wasn't going to be able to add much power to his game, his status quickly waned.

George has power to the opposite field. Having all your power go to the opposite field can be a sign that you're struggling to pull the ball, which is the easiest way to create offense. There are reasons to be optimistic that George will be able to add more power to his swing over the next couple of years as he progresses towards the majors. With George's frame, it's easy to foresee him filling out and adding power to the bat.

George is just beginning his development. The Orioles coaching staff knows he needs to add more power and will be working with him to optimize his approach and physique so he can fulfill the hype he's garnered early in his career.