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Orioles top prospect surprisingly in danger of losing Opening Day roster spot

It's not guaranteed.
Baltimore Orioles right fielder Dylan Beavers (12)
Baltimore Orioles right fielder Dylan Beavers (12) | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Almost every single Baltimore Orioles fan assumed Dylan Beavers' September surge in 2025 would've been enough to thrust him onto this year's Opening Day roster. And while Beavers still has a chance to break camp with the big-league ball club, his odds are nearly as great as they were when spring training began.

It's important not to overreact to spring training statistics, but they cannot be ignored either. Through nine games this spring, Beavers is hitting just .192/.222/.423. He's just 5-for-26 in Grapefruit League play, but on the plus-side, all five of his hits have gone for extra bases.

Orioles outfielder Dylan Beavers hasn't locked up a roster spot yet

When you look at the Orioles projected Opening Day outfield, it's easy to slot the newly acquired Taylor Ward into left field. Colton Cowser is expected to open the 2026 campaign in center field, and it was presumed that Beavers would be Baltimore's right fielder.

But what Tyler O'Neill did this spring — before jetting off to play for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic — was unexpected. Last year's free agent flop was showing exactly why Baltimore signed him to a free-agent deal last winter. O'Neill was 7-for-11 in Grapefruit League play with a homer, three RBI, and a 1.692 OPS. He's gone just 2-for-14 with Team Canada in the WBC.

If it's assumed that the trio of Ward, Cowser, and O'Neill will be in the O's outfield on Opening Day, does it even make sense to carry Beavers on the roster? Baltimore also brought in Leody Taveras this past winter, and while he's been underwhelming this spring, he provides insurance behind Cowser in center field.

Obviously Baltimore could choose to carry five outfielders, with Beavers being the fifth. But it hardly seems like the best way to bring along a top young talent. Furthermore, another young outfielder has outplayed him so far this spring. Heston Kjerstad, who fell out of favor last season, but is hitting .258 with a .797 OPS.

The injuries to Baltimore's infield adds some question marks to the Opening Day roster, and while Beavers may well find his way onto the field for the O's first game of the season, he hasn't locked up that spot just yet.

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