March signals the arrival of baseball season — and prospect season.
MLB Pipeline recently unveiled the Orioles’ top 30 prospects entering 2026, offering a fresh snapshot of an organization still widely regarded as one of the deepest in the sport.
Here is a closer look at the most notable changes in the recent edition of their rankings.
NEW ADDITIONS HEADLINE THE UPDATE
Outfielder Thomas Sosa debuts at No. 20, leading the group of newcomers. The 21-year-old endured an injury-interrupted 2025 season, batting .214 with a .681 OPS over 68 games. Despite the modest production, evaluators remain encouraged by his tools and projection.
Two recent international signees also cracked the list without yet appearing in a professional game. Middle infielder Jose Luis Acevedo, 17, received a franchise-record $2.3 million bonus during the international signing period and is praised for his advanced bat-to-ball skills. Left-hander Andri Hidalgo, 16, brings an electric fastball-slider combination that has already generated internal excitement.
Right-hander Anthony Nunez rounds out the additions. Acquired at the 2025 trade deadline in the deal that sent Cedric Mullins to the New York Mets, the 24-year-old impressed immediately. He posted a 3.45 ERA over 15.2 innings with Triple-A Norfolk and has carried that momentum into this spring with three scoreless appearances.
MAJOR CLIMBERS ENTER THE TOP 10
Left-hander Luis De León and second baseman/outfielder Aron Estrada each vaulted 14 spots, landing inside the organization’s top 10.
De León, 22, jumped from No. 18 to No. 4 after a strong 2025 campaign in which he recorded a 3.30 ERA across 87.1 innings. His late-season stint at Double-A — highlighted by a 1.69 ERA over three starts — reinforced his trajectory as a potential impact starter.
Estrada surged from No. 23 to No. 9 following perhaps his most complete season as a professional. The 21-year-old posted an .813 OPS with a career-high 10 home runs, 53 RBIs and 34 stolen bases, showcasing the well-rounded offensive profile that could eventually factor into Baltimore’s long-term plans.
A NOTABLE DROP
Infielder Colin Yeaman experienced the steepest fall, dropping 16 spots to No. 30. The 2025 fourth-round pick struggled in a brief 17-game sample with Low-A Delmarva, hitting .185 with a .570 OPS. However, his .366 on-base percentage suggests underlying plate discipline. Given the small sample size and the depth of the system, evaluators remain patient with the 21-year-old’s development.
OFF THE LIST
Four players fell out of the top 30 to make room for the new additions.
Former 2024 first-round pick Vance Honeycutt headlines the group after posting a .559 OPS across 101 games between Delmarva and Aberdeen in 2025. There have been early signs of life for the former first-round pick this spring, however, including a three-homer performance over his first three at-bats.
Right-hander Keeler Morfe endured a difficult season, pitching to a 7.48 ERA in 12 appearances while walking 32 in just 21.2 innings.
Infielder Cobb Hightower, acquired in the Ryan O’Hearn/Ramón Laureano trade, delivered steady production for Aberdeen but did not do enough to remain on the list.
Infielder Jose Pena, still in the early stages of his development, hit .697 OPS in the Dominican Summer League and remains a long-term project for the organization.
THE FULL TOP 30
1. Samuel Basallo (C/1B)
2. Dylan Beavers (OF)
3. Nate George (OF)
4. Luis De León (LHP)
5. Trey Gibson (RHP)
6. Ike Irish (C/OF/1B)
7. Wehiwa Aloy (SS)
8. Esteban Mejia (RHP)
9. Aron Estrada (2B/OF)
10. Enrique Bradfield Jr. (OF)
11. Boston Bateman (LHP)
12. Nestor German (RHP)
13. Braxton Bragg (RHP)
14. Joseph Dzierwa (LHP)
15. Levin Wells (RHP)
16. Juaron Watts-Brown (RHP)
17. Tyson Neighbors (RHP)
18. Jordan Sanchez (OF)
19. Creed Willems (C/1B)
20. Thomas Sosa (OF)
21. JT Quinn (RHP)
22. Wilfri De La Cruz (SS)
23. Jose Luis Acevedo (SS)
24. Andri Hidalgo (LHP)
25. Anthony Nunez (RHP)
26. Ethan Anderson (C/1B)
27. Patrick Reilly (RHP)
28. Stiven Martinez (OF)
29. Griff O’Ferrall (SS/2B)
30. Colin Yeaman (3B/SS)
What are your thoughts on the updated MLB Pipeline Orioles top 30 rankings? 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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