Baltimore Orioles Talented Prospect Could Start Year in Minors

With a loaded infield situation, the Baltimore Orioles could find themselves putting their talented prospect in the minors to start the season.

There are a lot of options across the infield for the Baltimore Orioles heading into the 2024 season. That's why there has been speculation that some of these players could be moved in a trade package for starting pitching.

Yet, nothing has occurred so far, only adding to the anticipation about what might get done.

Because of the crowded infield, the Orioles might start one of their talented prospects out in the minor leagues according to Roch Kubatko of MASN.

"The possibilities are widespread. [Joey] Ortiz could return to Norfolk and wait his turn ... The 2024 Orioles are loaded with infield talent. They signed Jorge Mateo for $2.7 million and tendered a contract to Ramon Urias. They can’t promise Ortiz a spot or a role ... Ortiz could be the club’s utility infielder on March 28. He could be in Norfolk’s lineup," he writes.

The club's 25-year-old former fourth round pick of the 2019 draft made his Major League debut last season.

Joey Ortiz is ranked as the Orioles' No. 6 overall prospect and had a rapid ascension to the Majors by playing elite defense and being a solid hitter.

After being a good hitter at the Triple-A level, he struggled at the plate for Baltimore, hitting .212/.206/.242 with zero home runs and four RBI across 15 games and 33 at-bats.

This could factor into the organization's decision to start him out at the minor league level in 2024.

Baltimore could potentially use Ortiz in a trade package as well to acquire starting pitching, but if the season were to start now, Kubatko is suggesting that he would likely not make the Opening Day roster.