Prospect Profiles: No. 20 Joshua Liranzo

Written by:

Zachary Bucklew

This is the ninth edition of Prospect Profiles, and Joshua Liranzo is the first player who already has somewhat of a professional background.

The 18-year-old infielder has family ties to another top prospect and even trained with a current MLB All-Star. Let’s break down the O’s No. 20 overall prospect on this edition of Prospect Profiles.

Liranzo is a part of a prospect family duo, as his brother Thayron Liranzo is currently a top prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. However, that isn’t the craziest part of Liranzo’s journey to becoming a pro.

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According to MLB Pipeline, during the offseason, Liranzo would train with current San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. Liranzo would join the 2023 international class and earn a $500,000 contract from the Orioles front office, led by GM Mike Elias.

Liranzo would make his debut in the DSL during the 2023 season, and despite a slow start, collecting just two hits in first six games and 25 at-bats, the Puerto Plata, Dominican native had a solid first season. He put together a .244/.393/.400 slash line with a .793 OPS and collected 39 total hits, six doubles, two triples and five home runs in 50 games.

After his 2023 season, Liranzo would be moved to the FCL Orioles team, and while he played in less games, he still thrived in one specific department. His batting average and slugging percentage both saw a decline to .220 and .264, respectively. However, his on-base percentage remained high at .349, posting just 20 hits but walking 18 times.

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Liranzo hits the baseball harder than most players his age, using above-average bat speed to produce plus exit velocities while driving the ball consistently. According to scouts, his power draws comparisons to Teoscar Hernández at that age, but Liranzo’s approach and hand-eye coordination are more advanced than Hernández’s were at that age.

The converted shortstop has already outgrown the position and profiles better at third base, with the arm strength, footwork and reaction time to succeed at the hot corner. He projects as an average defender but his ceiling is of a bat-first player who can grow into a middle-of-the-order run producer at the highest level.

The big thing with Liranzo is that he will still be just 18 years old when the 2025 season comes around, and he won’t turn 19 until August 25. Nicknamed “Animalito” (“Little Animal”) for his tenacious style of play, Liranzo will look to turn heads in his first taste of A-ball this year.

What are your thoughts on O’s No. 20 overall prospect, Joshua Liranzo? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter (X) and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!

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