It’s a fresh new start for the Mike Elias-led Baltimore Orioles as they go into spring training in a full blown rebuild. With new manager Brandon Hyde on board, the Orioles will go into this spring with many jobs up for grabs making spring training.
While the Orioles are probably staring down another last place finish, this spring should be interesting as there are more jobs in open competition then we can ever remember.
Let’s take a quick look at every player in camp.
Starters
Dylan Bundy – Coming off a down 2018 season,
Bundy looks to rebound
Alex
Cobb – Got off to a slow start, but a strong second half could
make him a viable trade chip at the trading deadline
Andrew
Cashner – Probably a 5th
starter/swingman on most teams, Cashner will most likely settle in as the O’s
3rd starter
David
Hess – Unless he
implodes or has an injury, you have to expect he will be in the rotation right
now
Josh
Rogers – Has as
much chance as any other candidate to win the 5th starter’s job.
Yefry
Ramirez – Showed flashes
last year and probably is better off as a reliever at the big level, but should
get a chance to compete for a rotation spot.
John
Means – Has to be in the
conversation for the 5th starter job. Showed flashes last year in AAA of being
ready.
Luis
Ortiz – The Orioles may want to see him get more experience in
AAA, but a great spring could springboard him into the 5th starter’s
job
Hunter
Harvey – Sounds like a broken record, but just needs to stay
healthy and go back to AA and perform well. Could be interesting to see if the
new regime converts him to a reliever.
Dillion Tate – Another pitcher that may need a move to the bullpen,
but for now he’ll get a look and probably end up back in AA again.
(NR) Dean Kremer – As a non-roster guy with less than half a season
above A-ball, he’s here to get a look by the big league staff.
(NR) Gabriel Ynoa – Coming back after missing all of 2019, Ynoa
may be better suited to a relief role but may end up a starter in AAA
Relievers
Mychal Givens (R) – Should be the closer this year
Richard Bleier (L) – Missed most of last year with an injury, but may be the only other reliever pretty much guaranteed a spot in the bullpen.
Miguel Castro (R) – His command took a big step back last season, but has the stuff and experience to be an innings eater in the pen.
Tanner Scott (L) – Showed flashes of being a dominant reliever at times but can still be a box of chocolates because of his inconsistent command.
Paul Fry (L) – Ate some important innings at times last year, but doesn’t dominate lefties
Jimmy Yacabonis (R) – Used as a starter at times, he’s better suited to a multiple innings reliever and could be valuable part of the bullpen.
Pedro Araujo (R) – If healthy. has to be kept on the big league roster for part of April in order for the Orioles to be able to keep him helps him make the team out of spring training.
Cody Carroll (R) – Really struggled in his major league debut last season, but a clean slate and a lack of experienced relievers gives him a chance to make the big league team
Branden Kline (R) – A good spring could certainly springboard him past AAA and onto the big league team.
Mike Wright Jr. (R) – It will be really interesting to see how much of a chance Wright gets after another sub-par season and really poor analytics that suggest he won’t improve
Donnie Hart (L) – Hart gets a second life due to his above average spin rate on his slider and is out of options, but he may need an injury to make the team.
Evan Phillips (R) – Was downright awful in his major league taste last season and has an uphill battle to make the team.
(NR) Sean Gilmartin (L) – Pitched really well and was a bit surprising he was DFA’d off the reoster before being resigned. Actually could make the team with a good spring.
(NR) Chris Lee (L) – Flashes potential but doesn’t miss many bats and has struggled in most chances above AA.
(NR) Josh Lucas (R) – A depth reliever with major league experience would really need to be dynamic to earn a spot.
(NR) Zach Pop (R) – Hard throwing right-handed who will probably end up back in AA or AAA to start season but who could see time in Baltimore in 2019
(NR) Bo Schultz (R) – A 33-year old former major leaguers who is looking for a comeback with the Orioles
(NR) Gregory Infante (R) – Two year removed from a decent season as a reliever for the White sox, the 31-year old right-hander will get a chance this spring
Catchers
Austin Wynns – Comes into the season as the only catcher in camp with a spot on the opening day roster minus a complete meltdown this spring.
Chance Sisco – Coming off an awful season that saw him struggle both offensively and defensively. Still has a chance to make the team and earn playing time with a good spring.
(NR) Jesus Sucre – The Rays backup catcher last season is coming off an awful offensive season but is solid defensively. Has as good a chance as any catcher in camp to make the team.
(NR) Carlos Perez – Spent time with Texas and Atlanta last season but has yet to translate good AAA numbers to the major league level.
(NR) Andrew Susac – Known more for his defense, he did not show well in his limited opportunity last season
(NR) Martin Cervenka – Really nice season at Bowie last season earned him a look this spring.
First Base
Chris Davis – Although he could end up at DH or maybe even given a look in right field, it’s all about whether his bat can rebound for a historically bad season.
Second Base
Jonathan Villar – Although he could play SS, it appears with the Rule 5 draftees the Orioles are hoping to play him at second base every day.
Shortstop
Richie Martin – The #1 pick in the Rule five draft, Martin is the odds on favorite to make the team, but will also compete for the starting shortstop job due to his defensive skills.
Drew Jackson – The other Rule five draft pick Jackson will compete with Martin for the shortstop position but also will be in the utility job competition.
Third Base
Renato Nunez – The starting third baseman for most of last season, Nunez showed enough to be the odds on favorite to win the job this year.
Rio Ruiz – Claimed off waivers from Atlanta by Elias, Ruiz will get a fresh start after struggling in Atlanta.
(NR) Ryan Mountcastle – One of the Orioles top prospects, it will be more interesting to see where Mountcastle plays with the new regime. He’ll be at AAA to start the year.
Utility
Jack
Reinheimer – – Passed through waivers
three times this offseason. Reinheimer’s ability to play shortstop could make
him a solid utility candidate
Steve Wilkerson – – Was a favorite
of the previous regime, he has a tentative hold on his 40-man roster spot and
will need a great spring and some injuries/poor performance to make the team.
Hanser Alberto – Has yet to take his AAA hitting success to his
limited chances in the majors but can play all three infield positions
(NR) Christopher Bostick – Played a lot of outfield last season, but has
the ability to play second base and third base. Could see more time in the
outfield though listed as an infielder.
(NR) Jace Peterson – The Orioles utility guy last season has an
uphill battle to break camp with the Orioles. Will provide AAA depth.
(NR) Zach Vincej – Has the ability to play shortstop and has hit a
bit in AAA.
Leftfield/Rightfield
Trey
Mancini – Orioles still list him as an outfielder
but he could end up at first base with Davis going to DH. For now, we’ll list
him here but he will see first base and maybe DH time.
DJ Stewart – Odds on favorite right now to make the team
and could end up the regular left or right fielder with a good spring. Doesn’t
really have the arm to play RF, but could end up there.
Joey Rickard – Put up his best offensive numbers last season
and is one of the best defensive outfielders in camp. Has a good chance of not
just making the team but starting against lefties.
Anthony Santander – Former rule 5 pick had a down year last season
and will need a good year to re-shine his star. Has flashed a good hit tool and
raw power.
Austin Hays – One of the Orioles top prospects, he’ll get a
look in the spring but is most likely heading to AA or AAA to start the year.
Mark Trumbo – – May not be ready and could start the season
on the disabled list. Will probably see more time at DH than right field but we’ll
list him here.
(NR) Mike Yastrzemski – Can play all three outfield positions, but is
more of a left fielder. Probably heading back to AAA to provide depth.
(NR) Yusniel Diaz – One of the Orioles top prospects, Diaz will start
2019 in AA or AAA.
Centerfield
Cedric
Mullins – Switch-hitting centerfielder should be the
everyday starter but could sit some against lefties giving way to Rickard.
(NR) Ryan Mckenna – Getting a chance to show the new staff his
abilities this spring but should be heading back to Bowie to start 2019.
