4 Orioles prospects who could work their way into the next Top 100 list

Every national publication has Baltimore's minor league system among the best league-wide, with many ranking them all the way at number one. The reality is that it's a very top-heavy group, boasting the first, tenth and eleventh overall prospects, but nobody else in the Top 100. As Jackson Holliday sets to graduate the list in the coming months, there are a few Baby Birds that look poised to make their way on.

The easiest answer is the highest unranked prospect in Baltimore's system: Vance Honeycutt. This year's first rounder would've easily gone in the top five if not for his egregious swing and miss rates. The UNC product only connected on 68.3% of pitches he swung at while chasing balls out of the zone at a 26.1% rate. Better pitchers will take advantage of that if he doesn't improve.

But Honeycutt's a potential gold-glove talent in center, has insane power and is a constant threat on the bases. If the Orioles minor league coaches can get that swing figured out, something they've shown to be well capable of recently, he'll end up being the steal of this draft and could quickly ascend to the majors.

2023's top draft pick Enrique Bradfield Jr. is also working his way up the ladder. Quickly glance at his numbers and you'll see a speedy center fielder who's slapping .264. But a deeper dive reveals that he hit .297 between May 1st and the end of July, slightly cooling off this month after a promotion to Bowie. Enrique's biggest knocking coming out of Vanderbilt was his ability to regularly put the ball in play, something that's clearly getting ironed out.

On top of that, the speed Bradfield Jr. possesses isn't your run of the mill -- this is true game wrecking stuff. He has 61 stolen bags so far this season on 70 attempts, good for an 87.1% clip. If he gets himself on base, something he's been doing regularly, rest assured he's occupying space in the pitcher's head.

Honeycutt and Bradfield are the obvious names, but these two lesser known prospects could join them

Skip a little further down Baltimore's Top 30 and you'll find international prospect Stiven Martinez, a player that analytics guys may fall in love with. The recently turned 17-year-old had an impressive first stint in rookie ball, slashing .278/.415/.466 with an OPS of .833 in 41 games at the Florida Complex. At 6'4" and 198 pounds, he's a physical specimen with intriguing power and an arm that could elevate his defensive ceiling as a corner outfielder. Maybe a year early to expect this name but definitely one to keep an eye on this kid.

A true longshot guy that's earned some love is Nestor German. If you frequent the prospect report, then you're well aware of how well the 11th round pick's first season has been going. 58 innings, a 1.40 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, .167 BAA and 10.33 K/9 compared to just 2.33 BB/9. Sorry to get all mathy, but these are dominant numbers worth highlighting.

What's most impressive has been the leap in performance from Seattle University to his first professional season. German had a 6.37 career ERA with the Redhawks, a walk rate double that of his current one and allowed opposing hitters to rip .287 off of him. He's only pitched in low and high A so far, so we're not losing our minds fully here, but something down on this farm has clicked for the 6'2", 225-pound righty. Here's to hoping it continues!