It remains unclear who will be the Orioles shortstop by the time Opening Day rolls around. The favorite, at this point, has to be Rule 5 selection Richie Martin. He was lauded for his defensive acumen prior to being picked, and it’s unlikely the O’s would have added him to the roster without the idea that he would receive the lion’s share of innings during the upcoming season.
Of course, there is still the chance that Jonathan Villar returns to shortstop after filling in admirable at the position late last season. If not Villar, then it could be the O’s other Rule 5 pick (via a trade) Drew Jackson, although he is thought of as a utility-man type rather than an everyday player.