Farm System’s serve as the bloodlines of MLB organizations. Struggling teams look towards their futures, with an eye on the development of their young talent. Surging teams look at their farm system as a sort of treasure chest, selling off young pieces for immediate help to their Major League team. While each team is familiar in depth with their own prospects, it is important to be well-versed in other team’s farm systems as well. The purpose of these articles is to give an overview into the top prospects of each farm system. I’ll be starting this series with the American League, specifically the Baltimore Orioles. Note: FV refers to a player’s “Future Value”, which on a 20-80 scale, 50 is average, 80 is considered elite, and 20 is considered a replacement-level player.
Adley Rutschman, Catcher: The wire-to-wire First Overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, Rutschman projects as the long-term answer behind the plate for the Orioles. Projecting to have four above average to plus tools, his career outlook figures to have him sticking behind the plates for the Orioles. He is a switch hitter whose skills behind the plate are lauded. His soft hands, pop times, and game calling savviness make him a perfect mentor for a young pitching staff. His swings have near identical smoothness from each side of the plate, and neither one requires him to sacrifice any of his natural power. He is one of the highest rated catcher prospects since Joe Mauer in the early 2000’s, and he projects as a quick mover through Baltimore’s farm system. FV=65
Grayson Rodrigues, RHP: The Orioles First Round pick in the 2018 draft, Rodriguez has done nothing but impress since being drafted out of the Texas high school ranks. His four-seam fastball sitting in the 94-96 MPH has been nearly unhittable in the lower minors, and he has complemented this with a wipeout slider. His curveball and changeup project to be above average pitches as well. He has shown the ability to command all four pitches, and his combination of size, stuff, and projection keep him in line to be a potential top of the rotation starter for the Orioles. Some in the scouting industry have concern about some of his landing mechanics, but others cite his lack of injury history as a counterpoint. Regardless, he is the highest rated pitching prospect in the Orioles organization. FV=55
DL Hall, LHP: The Orioles First Round pick in the 2017 draft, Hall is one of the most polarizing prospects in all of the MLB. Sitting at 95-96, Hall has one of the hardest fastballs out of lefty pitchers in professional baseball. His curveball has flashed plus potential, and figures to be his out pitch down the road. At 195 pounds, he projects to have a little room to add weight to his 6’2 frame. While no one questions his stuff, his control and mechanics is another question entirely. He struggles to replace his mechanics over the course of a start, and his command comes and goes. If this gets cleaned up in the coming season, Hall’s potential lines up with that of Rodriguez’s. FV=55
Ryan Mountcastle, 1B: Drafted in the First Round of the 2015 draft, Mountcastle has raked at all levels of the minors. His hit tool and power tool both project to be above average, with most of his value being derived from his bat. He has slowly slid down the defensive spectrum, with him more than likely sliding in at First Base down the road. He offers little in terms of athleticism, but he projects to have a fairly high floor with his bat being such a sure bet. He will have a chance to play himself into a role with the big-league club this season. FV=55
Yusniel Diaz, RF: Diaz was acquired from the Dodgers in the Manny Machado deal, and he has battled a myriad of injuries over the past season and a half. He has tantalizing tools, projecting at least average tools across the board. His above average arm projects him as a long-term for Right Field. His hit tool could potentially be above average down the road, but much of this stems from his ability to stay healthy. FV=50
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