Orioles Prospect Report: The Tides Go Out with a Split, Beavers Walks One Off and Orioles Reinforcements on the Way

Everyone knew this day was coming, but it never really prepares you for the moment it's here. The end of the minor league season, virtually synonymous with the conclusion of summer. Bittersweet emotions as late sunsets and ice cream at the ballpark transitions to soups, flannels and playoff baseball.

A fun ride as always, but we'll be back. One last trip down to Norfolk.

Norfolk Tides
Tied series with Nashville Sounders 3-3

The lineup felt like a turnstile this week with an infusion of rehabbing stars and some new faces from the Baysox joining the Tides. Jordan Westburg showed why he's a big-league All-Star, batting .400 in his 3 games with a long ball and 2 RBI prior to rejoining the Birds. Ramon Urias also quickly showed he was ready to return to Baltimore, posting a .333/1/3 line before also being called back up.

Catcher Samuel Basallo wrapped up his 2024 campaign by going 4-16 with a homer and 4 RBI in 5 appearances versus Nashville. The organization's top minor leaguer finished the year with a .278/19/65 line across two levels of play, while having just turned 20. He's put himself firmly in the discussion to be baseball's #1 prospect next spring.

Quite a way to announce your arrival, Dylan Beavers. In his first evening with the club, Beavers delivered a walk-off single to send everyone home happy from Harbor Park. All in all, he'd go 5-20 while driving in 4 in his first taste of AAA action. Pencil him in as a starting outfielder here come April '25.

Nice to see Chayce McDermott back! The righty returned from a shoulder injury just in time to participate in this final series, holding Nashville scoreless and hitless through 3 strong. His 5 strikeouts were encouraging, but 3 walks were a reminder of his volatility. Nonetheless, could become an intriguing bullpen option for the Orioles to consider for the playoff push.

After recording his best start with the Tides last week, Trevor Rogers was back to his typically average form, surrendering 3 earned on 4 hits and 2 walks across 5.2. His 7 strikeouts indicate that the swing and miss stuff is still there, but the lack of consistency is just maddening. Really botched trade deadline move by Elias.

Brandon Young's final outing came Friday night, lasting 5 solid innings on the bump. The undrafted pitcher enjoyed a ton of success this year, but September was one of his shakier months, allowing a .310 BAA in four starts. Despite a few late season struggles, Young's positioned himself to compete for a spot in Baltimore's 2025 rotation.