Entering spring training, one of the more intriguing lineup debates surrounding the Baltimore Orioles is not about who bats third or fifth — it is who leads off.
With a roster that boasts established run producers like Gunnar Henderson, Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward, the spot atop the order has been fluid, as Jackson Holliday, Colton Cowser and Adley Rutschman have all spent time batting first in the lineup over the last few seasons.
Among candidates, one name has quietly emerged as a compelling choice: Dylan Beavers. But does the rookie left-handed outfielder have the profile to truly anchor the leadoff spot on a contending club?
Beavers’ sample in the big leagues was small last season— just 35 games — but it provided enough evidence to put him on the leadoff discussion radar.
The Cal product posted a .227/.375/.400 slash line in that span, showcasing an elite walk rate (19% BB rate) that led qualified hitters and a strikeout rate that, while elevated, came with a patient approach that managers love at the top of the order.
In Triple-A Norfolk in 2025, Beavers mashed to the tune of a .304/.420/.515 slash with 18 home runs and 23 stolen bases. His walk rate in the minors (16.3%) pointed to an advanced understanding of the strike zone, and those temperate plate tendencies translated into his brief big-league audition.
That ability to get on base — regardless of batting average — is the essential prerequisite for a leadoff hitter. Analytically driven clubs have increasingly prioritized on-base skills over traditional batting average at the top of the lineup, and Beavers fits that mold more than most on the Orioles’ roster.
Additionally, Beavers is not just a patient hitter — he carries real speed and developing power. As a 20/20 threat in the minors and with legitimate sneaky power tools, the 24-year-old can both reach and trouble defenses once on base.
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz has praised Beavers’ work ethic and approach entering camp, suggesting the team sees him as definite part of Baltimore’s plans moving forward. That respect within the coaching staff is meaningful and signals the organization views his development trajectory as legitimate.
Any conversation about Beavers leading off in 2026 has to account for the health of Jackson Holliday and the lingering effects of his hamate injury.
If Holliday’s return includes a period of reduced slug or a cautious workload, the Orioles may prefer to ease him back into a lower-leverage lineup spot rather than immediately slotting him atop the order. That scenario would open the door for Beavers to claim the leadoff role more permanently, especially if his on-base profile stabilizes.
For an Orioles team hoping to make noise in the AL East, tapping into Beavers’ unique skill set at the top of the order could be the spark that differentiates them in close games.
What are your thoughts on Dylan Beavers leading off this season? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, X, Bluesky and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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