Minor league all-star games are underway, the 2019 MLB draft is over and draft picks are quickly signing their first pro contracts and beginning affiliate ball, and it’s time to start re-evaluating those lists of pre-season top prospects. For the Baltimore Orioles, a new name will appear at the top of the list once catcher Adley Rutschman sings the dotted line.
The farm system isn’t loaded with talent and there are plenty of holes at various positions, however, this system isn’t the barren wasteland it once was. Names like RHP Grayson Rodriguez, LHP DL Hall, 1B Ryan Mountcastle, and OF Yusniel Diaz are just a few who bring about excitement in Birdland, but there’s always the risk that these guys don’t pan out.