3 Orioles players fighting for their futures ahead of 2024 season

Oct 10, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jordan Westburg (11)
Oct 10, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jordan Westburg (11) / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Jordan Westburg

Westburg was the Orioles' pick in Round A of the 2020 Competitive Balance Draft, 30th overall and the second for the Orioles after Heston Kjerstad, the No. 2 overall pick. Westburg got a head start in the minors when myocarditis delayed Kjerstad's start by an entire year, but they did both make their MLB debuts in 2023. Westburg appeared in 68 games (to Kjerstad's 13) and hit pretty decently for it being his first venture into the majors (.260/.311/.404). He's expected to be the Orioles' primary second baseman this year, at least until Jackson Holliday gets to the majors.

Holliday is gunning for a spot on the Opening Day roster and, despite the fact that Westburg has more major league time and has been hitting okay in spring training, there's little doubt the Orioles would make him cede second base to accommodate Holliday, MLB's No. 1 overall prospect this year. Westburg is definitely fighting for survival in the big league club, but some of it may also be out of his hands. After a slow start to spring training, Holliday's seeing more of a resurgence. If that continues, Westburg could be sitting on Opening Day.