SARASOTA, Fla. — Whoever named the latest in-vogue pitch must’ve had a marketing degree, because “death ball” carries a sort of panache. It’s part slider, part knuckleball, part changeup — all death ball. It comes out of Trey Gibson’s right hand at a higher velocity than most breaking balls, and it … dies, so to speak, dropping without much side-to-side sweep.

Gibson showcased that death ball — which is listed as a slider on Statcast’s pitch log — during three scoreless innings for the Orioles on Friday. It’s one of the multiple offerings that make Gibson a highly touted prospect.

“Pretty much trying to save it for two strikes,” Gibson said. “Pretty much any opportunity I’m trying to get whiff.”

He earned those whiffs Friday against the New York Yankees. All three of his strikeouts came via the death ball. And Gibson’s overall arsenal is full of deception and spin. Gibson won’t break camp with the major league squad, but he’s worth a closer look during camp.

And before long he may be spiking those death balls at Camden Yards.

“I’m on the right track right now,” Gibson said. “I feel pretty good where I’m at. Obviously, have to be where my feet are. So not trying to think too big, too far ahead like that.”

That’s a fine approach. Instead, others can think farther ahead on his behalf. Last year was a massive one for Gibson. It saw him rise three levels of the minor leagues, ending in Triple-A, and he begins 2026 as the Orioles’ top-ranked pitching prospect, according to Baseball America (and third overall). On Baseball America’s top-100 list, Gibson comes in at No. 72 nationally.

The 6-foot-5 right-hander is an elite strikeout threat. Across three levels of the minors last year, he averaged 12.4 strikeouts per nine innings. Even as he struggled with the immediate adjustment to Triple-A (7.98 ERA in 29 1/3 innings), Gibson struck out more than a batter per inning.

The leap to Triple-A exposed Gibson’s four-seam fastball. According to Prospect Savant, opponents recorded a 58.82% hard hit rate against it. So this winter Gibson made an adjustment to use his sinker more frequently, particularly against right-handed batters. He didn’t throw his four-seamer once Friday.

“Still throwing the four-seam, but yesterday I didn’t feel it was the right spot for it,” Gibson said. “I was getting a lot of ground balls with the sinker early in counts. I felt like it was the time to just stick with that. But, moving forward, still keeping the four-seam in the bag.”

The development process for the 23-year-old is far from over, but given his stuff, Baltimore could see Gibson this season, be it in the rotation or bullpen. He’s using his time in major league spring training camp to pick the brains of the experienced starters in the clubhouse, including Chris Bassitt.

Gibson is part of a group of young pitchers that excites those within the organization. Among others, left-hander Luis De Leon (No. 95-ranked) and right-handers Nestor German and Levi Wells have drawn attention this spring.

“Those guys have all the ingredients of being big league starters,” manager Craig Albernaz said, “and we just want to pour into them and hopefully it comes to fruition.”

The first opportunity for one of that group in a spring training game this year belonged to Gibson, and he made the most of it. With a death ball, he may keep the whiffs coming.

A well-regarded familiar face

As Ryan O’Hearn came to the plate before his first appearance at Ed Smith Stadium on Saturday, Orioles fans rose to serenade him with applause. After 2 1/2 seasons in Baltimore, O’Hearn is still a fan favorite, even after joining the Pirates this winter.

“That was awesome,” O’Hearn said. “It’s spring training, so I didn’t really want to take my helmet off and hold it up. But, no, pretty cool. It means a lot to me, showing me support like that.”

Pirates right fielder Ryan O’Hearn hits a three-run home run against his former team Saturday. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Banner)

O’Hearn’s career turned around in Baltimore. He joined as a cast-off and became an All-Star. During the Orioles’ losing season, the club traded O’Hearn to the San Diego Padres. He signed with Pittsburgh for two years and $29 million. Those years in Baltimore, though, remain special to O’Hearn, who hugged catcher Adley Rutschman when he arrived at the plate in the first inning.

And what was more fun: He launched a three-run home run against left-hander Dietrich Enns in the fifth.

O’Hearn played a role in the Orioles’ turnaround, becoming playoff teams in 2023 and 2024. Since joining the Pirates, O’Hearn says, he feels there are similarities between Pittsburgh and the 2023 Orioles — the mix of young players with veterans makes the Pirates a breakout contender.

“I know that team won 101 games, but kind of the same quiet confidence,” O’Hearn said. “Guys feel like we’re going to come out and really surprise some people.”

O’Hearn, though, didn’t surprise anyone at Ed Smith Stadium by how well he played against his former team. They grew fond of this grinder. And, whenever Orioles fans see O’Hearn in the future, it seems certain there will be applause headed his way.

This article has been updated.