Baltimore Orioles Scouting Report for the 2025 International Class
The 2025 international signing class promises to be another exciting chapter in the Baltimore Orioles’ long-term rebuilding project. Over the past several seasons, the Orioles have invested heavily in developing their international scouting network, which has seen improvements in both the quality and quantity of international talent added to the farm system. The 2025 class will continue to build on this momentum, with the Orioles scouting team looking to uncover hidden gems, future stars, and strong developmental players to support their major league roster in the years to come.
In recent years, the organization has made substantial strides toward becoming a playoff contender. This has been largely due to a strong core of homegrown talent, particularly in pitching, as well as an emphasis on advanced analytics, player development, and international scouting. As the team continues to rebuild its roster, the international signing period remains one of the most significant avenues for talent acquisition.
General Strategy and Philosophy
The Orioles have been known for their patient and methodical approach to international scouting. Rather than focusing solely on high-profile international prospects, the organization places a premium on player development, raw athleticism, and a willingness to develop in the farm system. They have also invested in improving their relationships with international academies, creating an environment that fosters long-term growth.
As the 2025 international class approaches, the Orioles are expected to continue prioritizing pitching, athleticism, and high-ceiling talent. The team will also likely focus on certain countries or regions that have historically produced elite talent, such as the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Cuba. However, the Orioles are always open to discovering talent in emerging markets like Colombia, Panama, and even South Korea or Japan.
The international signing class will be one of the key ways the Orioles address positional needs while continuing to stockpile young, projectable talent. Here is a breakdown of the key areas where the organization is likely to target talent in the 2025 international class.
Key Areas of Focus
1. Pitching Talent
One of the most significant needs for the Orioles in recent years has been the development of pitching prospects. While the organization has built a strong group of young position players, their pitching depth remains a major area of focus. As a result, the Orioles are expected to continue investing in high-ceiling arms from the international pool.
Right-Handed Pitchers
The Orioles will likely target right-handed pitchers with high strikeout potential and the ability to develop secondary pitches. Power fastballs, with velocity projections above 95 mph, will be a key area of focus. The Orioles may also look for pitchers who have strong command of secondary pitches like breaking balls and changeups, allowing them to handle a variety of hitters as they develop in the minors.
Left-Handed Pitchers
While left-handed pitchers may not be the team’s primary focus, they are still likely to target a few lefty arms with promising stuff and projectability. Left-handers who can generate strikeouts, use their breaking balls effectively, and develop command as they mature in the minors will be prioritized.
2. Position Players with High Upside
The Orioles have done well in recent years with their position player development, thanks to the emergence of stars like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jordan Westburg. In the 2025 international class, the team will look for young hitters with a blend of athleticism, power potential, and plate discipline.
Shortstops
Shortstop is one of the most coveted positions in international scouting, and the Orioles are expected to target a few of the top shortstop prospects in the 2025 class. Shortstops offer a unique combination of athleticism, defensive value, and offensive potential. Whether the Orioles are looking for a future major-league starter or a versatile player with the ability to shift to other positions, they will be scouring the international markets for high-ceiling shortstop talent.
Outfielders
Outfield prospects are another area where the Orioles will likely focus their attention. Speed, power, and the ability to make consistent contact will be crucial factors when evaluating outfield prospects. The Orioles will look for players who can contribute both offensively and defensively, with an emphasis on the ability to cover ground in center field and hit for both power and average.
Catchers
While the Orioles have one of the best young catchers in baseball in Adley Rutschman, the team will still look to stockpile depth at the position. Developing catching talent from the international pool will provide additional organizational depth and serve as future trade assets or backups if needed.
3. Emerging Markets and New Regions
As baseball’s global reach expands, more talent is emerging from non-traditional baseball markets. The Orioles have been diligent in scouting these regions and will likely continue to cast a wider net in 2025. Countries like Colombia, Panama, and even Brazil have seen a rise in baseball prospects, and the Orioles will want to tap into these untapped markets.
High-Profile International Prospects for 2025
While it is still early in the scouting process, there are several high-profile prospects that the Orioles will likely have on their radar for the 2025 international class. Here are a few players from various countries that are expected to be top targets for the organization:
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic remains the epicenter of baseball talent in the international market, and the Orioles are likely to be active in this region. With a wealth of young prospects, the Orioles will likely target power hitters and pitching prospects who have shown elite velocity or advanced skills. Look for the Orioles to sign a few Dominican players who fit their developmental model of raw athleticism and high ceiling.
Venezuela
Venezuela has produced some of the game’s top players in recent years, and the Orioles are expected to continue scouting this area. From middle infielders to power-hitting outfielders, Venezuela has a wide array of talent available, and the Orioles are sure to be involved in this highly competitive market.
Mexico
While not as deeply involved in the international baseball scene as countries like the Dominican Republic, Mexico has produced its share of talented players, and the Orioles may look to target prospects from this region, especially those who are more advanced in their development or have high baseball IQs.
Cuba
With a history of producing elite talent, Cuba remains a valuable market for international scouting. The Orioles are likely to keep a close eye on Cuban prospects who can contribute immediately or in the near future. The recent trend of MLB teams signing more Cuban players has strengthened the country’s position in international scouting, and the Orioles will be no exception to this trend.
Other Emerging Regions
Finally, the Orioles will likely scout emerging markets such as South Korea, Japan, and even some countries in Africa. With the growing popularity of baseball in these regions, scouting directors may uncover hidden gems who fit the team’s long-term strategy.
