2025 Baltimore Orioles Standout MLB Prospects
As the Baltimore Orioles emerge from a rejuvenated phase, boasting a solid roster and a promising farm system, attention is naturally shifting toward the future. The organization’s ability to identify and develop young talent has been a focal point over the past few seasons. Heading into 2025, the Orioles’ pipeline of MLB prospects is stacked with a blend of positional depth and pitching talent poised to make an impact at the highest level. In this article, we will dive into the standout players in the Orioles’ system who are on track to leave their mark on the major leagues in the upcoming season and beyond.
1. Jackson Holliday – Shortstop
One of the most exciting names in the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system is Jackson Holliday. The son of former MLB player Matt Holliday, Jackson was selected first overall by the Orioles in the 2022 MLB Draft. Since then, he has rapidly ascended through the ranks, showcasing his elite potential both offensively and defensively.
In 2024, Holliday continued to impress in the minor leagues, maintaining a strong batting average, getting on base frequently, and showing flashes of his exceptional plate discipline. What stands out the most about Holliday is his mature approach to hitting. His ability to control the strike zone, generate solid contact, and hit to all fields makes him a future cornerstone of the Orioles’ lineup.
Defensively, Holliday is a smooth shortstop with excellent range and a plus arm, and he is often lauded for his high baseball IQ. While he’s only 19 years old as of 2025, there’s a good chance that Holliday could make his MLB debut as early as this season, solidifying his place as one of the brightest young stars in the game.
2. Colton Cowser – Outfield
Colton Cowser has been a mainstay of the Orioles’ farm system since being drafted in 2021, and as of 2025, he’s considered one of the top outfield prospects in MLB. A left-handed hitter with a mature approach at the plate, Cowser brings a combination of power, speed, and on-base ability to the table. His impressive 2024 campaign in Triple-A highlighted his potential to be a key contributor at the major league level.
One of Cowser’s standout traits is his ability to consistently get on base, aided by his excellent plate discipline. He excels at working deep counts and getting on base via walks, which pairs well with his power potential. While he may not be an elite power hitter just yet, his ability to drive the ball to all fields and his strong, quick swing suggest that he could develop into a 20-25 home run hitter at the MLB level.
Defensively, Cowser has shown an ability to handle center field, though some scouts believe his future may lie in a corner outfield spot. Nonetheless, his ability to make strong throws and cover ground in the outfield will make him a valuable asset. With the Orioles in need of outfield depth, Cowser is in line to make his MLB debut in 2025, where he could make an immediate impact at the top of the lineup.
3. Grayson Rodriguez – Right-Handed Pitcher
Grayson Rodriguez has been one of the most highly anticipated pitching prospects in all of baseball. The right-hander, known for his explosive fastball and devastating slider, was the Orioles’ top pitching prospect for years, and he made his MLB debut in 2023. After a few rough patches, Rodriguez returned to form in 2024, making strides in his development and showcasing the talent that made him a consensus top-10 prospect in baseball.
Rodriguez’s fastball is his most electric pitch, consistently sitting in the high 90s and touching 100 mph. His slider is a true swing-and-miss offering, and his changeup is a work in progress but still shows potential. While he battled with command in his early MLB appearances, Rodriguez’s time in the minors helped him refine his delivery and tighten his pitch control.
The key for Rodriguez in 2025 will be maintaining consistency. If he can continue to improve his command and make adjustments to major league hitters, Rodriguez has the potential to develop into a frontline starter for the Orioles. His 2024 season in Triple-A was a clear sign of his readiness to be a regular fixture in Baltimore’s rotation, and by 2025, he will be counted on to contribute to the big league squad.
4. Darell Hernaiz – Shortstop/Second Baseman
Darell Hernaiz is an exciting middle infielder who has flown under the radar for many, but those who closely follow the Orioles’ farm system know that he’s a player with immense potential. After a strong showing in 2024, Hernaiz is projected to be a potential MLB contributor as soon as 2025. His versatility in the infield, primarily as a shortstop and second baseman, provides the Orioles with flexibility.
Hernaiz is known for his excellent bat-to-ball skills, producing consistent contact with an ability to control the strike zone. His offensive game relies on his ability to make contact, get on base, and produce solid doubles power. While he doesn’t project as a power hitter, Hernaiz could develop into a reliable top-of-the-order bat with the ability to drive the ball in the gaps.
Defensively, Hernaiz shows excellent quickness and range, making him a potential everyday middle infielder for the Orioles. His plus glove at second base, along with his ability to handle shortstop in a pinch, makes him a useful piece for Baltimore’s infield depth. Given his skillset, there’s a real chance that Hernaiz could be called up in 2025, adding value to the Orioles’ middle infield mix.
5. Kohl Franklin – Right-Handed Pitcher
Kohl Franklin, one of the more intriguing pitching prospects in the Orioles’ farm system, has the potential to be a key part of the team’s future pitching staff. Known for his strong build and power fastball, Franklin spent 2024 developing in the minors, showing flashes of his potential in both Double-A and Triple-A.
Franklin’s fastball sits in the mid-90s, with the ability to touch higher velocities, and he complements it with a strong slider and an emerging curveball. What sets him apart is his ability to generate strikeouts, making him a candidate to succeed as a high-leverage reliever or potentially a starter for the Orioles. His control is still a work in progress, but his velocity and pitch mix provide an exciting foundation for his future.
Given the Orioles’ current needs in their rotation and bullpen, Franklin could be an essential piece of their pitching staff in 2025. His ability to miss bats and keep hitters off balance gives him the potential to contribute as soon as this season.
6. Hudson Haskin – Outfield
Hudson Haskin, another promising outfield prospect in the Orioles’ system, took another step forward in 2024, putting together a productive season in Double-A. With his solid blend of power and speed, Haskin is an intriguing player to watch. He has a quick bat, capable of driving the ball to all fields, and he is a solid baserunner with the ability to steal bases when needed.
While Haskin’s ceiling may not be as high as some of the Orioles’ other top prospects, he is still seen as a potential everyday player in the outfield. His ability to hit for average and power, along with his versatility in the outfield, makes him an interesting player who could provide depth and stability to the Orioles’ outfield situation in 2025. If he continues to develop, Haskin could be a valuable part of the team’s future.
7. Adam Hall – Infielder
Adam Hall, known for his speed and defensive prowess, is another middle infielder who could be a factor for the Orioles in 2025. While his bat is still developing, Hall’s ability to play solid defense and provide speed on the base paths gives him a unique skill set. Hall has the potential to contribute in a utility role or as a defensive replacement in the infield. His ability to make contact and steal bases gives the Orioles another potential option as they look to build a competitive roster in 2025.
