Though the groundhog failed to see his shadow, we have sunshine coming our way as spring training is just around the corner.   

Pitchers and catchers are due to report February 13, with position players on February 16. Of course, there is also the WBC, which starts March 8 and will conclude March 21.

With the hustle of spring training fast approaching, the Orioles have announced their 2023 non-roster invitees.

Pitchers

There are 12 pitchers who have been invited to Sarasota. Of the 12, only two of them are leftys, and one of them is the Orioles’ No. 14 prospect, Cade Povich.

Povich was acquired by the Orioles during last season’s trade deadline, a trade with the Minnesota Twins that would send All-Star Jorge López out of Baltimore.

Povich would arrive to the Orioles and pitch across two levels, compiling a 4-2 record with a 3.47 ERA.

Though he still is working out some kinks, Povich was able to strike out batters at a 10.0 K/9. With his changeup being his strongest pitch, Povich has a chance to show himself off against some big league hitters.

Full list:

• RHP Eduardo Bazardo
• RHP Wandisson Charles
• RHP Kyle Dowdy
• RHP Reed Garrett
• RHP Ofreidy Gómez
• LHP Darwinzon Hernandez
• RHP Morgan McSweeney
• LHP Cade Povich
• RHP Kade Strowd
• RHP Cole Uvila
• RHP Chris Vallimont
• RHP Ryan Watson

Catchers

The Orioles have invited four non-roster catchers to spring training this year. With the big league roster set with Adley Rutschman and James McCann, there won’t be much competition for a roster spot.

Though some names are familiar, with Anthony Bemboom being invited, the catching group this year will be getting some extra work before heading to their minor league affiliates.

Full list:

• Anthony Bemboom
• Maverick Handley
• Mark Kolozsvary
• Ramon Rodriguez

Infielders

The infield group of non-roster invitees will be led by MLB Pipelines No. 15 prospect, Jackson Holliday.

The former No. 1 overall pick will get to experience big league spring training this year. Though he probably won’t be starting in the big leagues for another couple of years, it is exciting to know the future shortstop of the Orioles will be getting some experience with future teammates.

In 20 games last season between Rookie Ball and Delmarva, Holliday would slash .297/.480/.422 while walking more than twice the number of times he struck out.

MLB Pipelines No. 74 prospect Jordan Westburg will be included with the club in Sarasota as well. A high chance of making his big league debut this year, Westburg will be another top prospect getting some work and experience with the big league club.

Last season, Westburg advanced from Bowie to Norfolk, slashing a combined .265/.355/.496 while hitting 27 home runs and collecting 106 RBIs.

The power hitting infielder would also play strong defense, playing second, short and third base, showing his versatility and making him a valuable asset to the team.

Full list:

• Franchy Cordero
• Lewin Díaz
• Jackson Holliday
• Josh Lester
• Coby Mayo
• Connor Norby
• Ryan O’Hearn
• César Preito
• Curtis Terry
• Jordan Westburg

Outfielders

The Orioles are pretty set at outfield for the big league club, but MLB Pipeline’s No. 40 prospect Colton Cowser will be a non-roster invitee.

Cowser is expected to make his debut this season, whether it comes due to a trade, injury or forced call-up by his play.

Joining Cowser in camp will be MLB Pipeline’s No. 80 prospect, Heston Kjerstad.

Kjerstad, fresh off Arizona Fall League MVP honors, played across two levels last season, slashing .309/.394/.457, his first season since being drafted in 2020.

With Kjerstad and Cowser pushing their way through the minors, the Orioles outfield might be set now, but it could change rather quickly with the progress of these two.

Full list:

• Daz Cameron
• Colton Cowser
• Heston Kjersted
• Nomar Mazara
• Robert Neustrom

Which of these players will make an impact and turn heads this spring? Could they make the 40-man roster?

Which non-roster invitee are you looking forward to watching the most in spring training? Let us know in the comments below! And make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook and Twitter, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!

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