Evaluating MLB Pipeline's changes to Orioles' 2024 top 30 prospects list

Carter Baumler, RHP

We don't know much about Baumler due to the variety of injuries that he's sustained throughout his career. After he was drafted in 2020, he had to undergo Tommy John Surgery. Then last April, Baumler had to have shoulder surgery, limiting him to just 17 innings pitched in 2023.

These injuries ultimately moved Baumler down from 21st in the top 30 in 2023 to 29th going into 2024. Baumler has thrown just over 28 innings in his career, but has still shown some upside. He's pitched to a 2.51 ERA in those 28.2 innings, holding opponents to just a .167 average. Hopefully Baumler can put together a healthy season in 2024 and move back up the rankings.

Creed Willems, C

Willems fell quite a bit in the most recent rankings, moving from 20th to 30th, according to MLB Pipeline. I'd imagine a big reason for this is due to the volatility Willems has shown so far.

Willems started this season on a tear, recording an OPS over 1.000 and hitting eight home runs in 30 games at Delmarva. He was then promoted to High-A Aberdeen, where his production fell off of a cliff. He would go on to have an OPS under .600 in 75 games with the Iron Birds, but did still hit nine home runs. Willems will have to find some consistency if he wants to move back up the rankings.

Orioles' New Addition

Thomas Sosa, OF

Sosa is the only new prospect added to MLB Pipeline's top 30, coming in at 23rd for the Orioles. Sosa signed with the O's in 2022 and is just 19 years old.

In his second full season of rookie ball, Sosa took major leaps forward offensively. After an OPS under .600 in 2022, Sosa bounced back in 2023. He slashed .290/.385/.492 in 39 games played. It'll be interesting to see how Sosa continues to develop going forward, and to see how he adjusts to higher-level pitching.