As we await the next Orioles move of the offseason, we look for other Orioles content to enjoy. The folks over at Baseball America have done their part, revealing their newest “Top 10” list of Orioles prospects.

I won’t give the exact list here, although it is easy enough to find, even if you don’t have a BA subscription. But I will say that my biggest takeaway is that Nate George is officially on the broader baseball industry’s radar. Jon Meoli, who curated the list for BA, explained in a reader chat yesterday that George, as well as several other names on the list, are in the mix for BA’s “Top 100” list, and he is soon going to be regarded as the top hitter in the system once Samuel Basallo and Dylan Beavers graduate.

That’s exciting news, and not just for people that revere prospects above all else. We know that the Orioles are pursuing a “frontline” starting pitcher this offseason. There are options on the free agent market, but they would cost a lot of money and require years of commitment that Mike Elias has not shown the stomach for yet. He would likely prefer to land a younger pitcher that is yet to reach free agency and still has years of team control. This latest list makes it feel like the Orioles could land just about any pitcher they want, if they are willing to part with some youngsters.

Of course, that is a big “if” as well. Elias did make the Corbin Burnes trade prior to the 2024 trade, which included DL Hall and Joey Ortiz. But he basically knew what Hall and Ortiz were by that point. That had both played in the major leagues. Hall had struggled to stick as a starter, and Ortiz was blocked all around the infield. Trading away even younger players with more unknowns is a bit riskier.

The math has changed for Elias a bit this winter. He has been backed publicly by ownership. But the team is coming off of a disappointing year, which followed a poor second half in 2024. If they flop again in 2026, Elias could be on the way out of the door. Sure, he needs to make moves that he could defend, but he also needs to win games immediately. Maybe this is the time he finally sends out the kids for an impact veteran.

Samuel Basallo, no surprise, headlines O’s new top 10 prospects via Baseball America | Steve Melewski
Melewski dives into the aforementioned BA list over on his Substack.

These 9 righty starting pitchers should be in play for the Orioles | The Baltimore Banner
In addition to a “frontline” arm that you would be comfortable starting in a playoff game, the Orioles should also seek out a depth arm to eat innings. There are plenty of them on this list. It might just require the O’s to wait them out and hope they accept a one-year deal closer to spring training.

This, that and the other | Roch Kubatko
Roch points out the benefit of being bad in 2025, and that is that the Orioles will have better draft positioning for the first time in a dew seasons. That includes a nearly 10% chance to get the first overall pick.

Orioles Ryan Helsley Signing Is Fine, But They Have Bigger Needs | Forbes
Forbes is writing about the Orioles. The world is upside down. Cats and dogs living together!

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

Konner Wade turns 33 today. He pitched in seven games for the 2021 Orioles, allowing 16 runs across 12.1 innings. That is the extent of his big league experience.The late Chico Salmon (b. 1940, d. 2000) was born on this day. He was a utility infielder for the Orioles from 1969 through ‘72, which included three World Series appearances and one title. According to his Wikipedia page, Salmon’s teammates openly joked with him about his fielding difficulties, and he was known to fear ghosts.Clay Dalrymple turns 89 today. From 1969 through ‘71, he was a reserve catcher with the Orioles. He played in 73 total games with the O’s and had a 101 OPS+.

This day in O’s history

1957 – The Orioles make a swap with the White Sox. Larry Doby, Jack Harshman, Russ Heman, and Jim Marshall head to Baltimore in exchange for Ray Moore, Billy Goodman, and Tito Francona.

1974 – The Orioles acquire Lee May and Jay Schlueter from the Astros for Enos Cabell and Rob Andrews.

2014 – Nick Markakis’ time in Baltimore comes to an end. He signs a four-year, $44 million deal with the Braves.