Every year, a handful of players ranked outside the top 10 in their respective farm systems take meaningful steps forward to improve their stock and vault up prospect rankings. Part of the fun is trying to identify those breakouts before it happens. So today, we\u2019re identifying Orioles prospects who have the potential to make a jump in 2026.<\/p>\n
To qualify, a player must rank outside the organization\u2019s preseason Top 10 prospects.\u00a0All scouting reports are from Baseball America\u2019s 2026 Prospect handbook, which you can purchase here<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can find Top 30 prospect rankings\u00a0for all teams here<\/a>\u00a0and all breakout candidates here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Breakout Prospects<\/p>\n Aron Estrada<\/a>, 2B\/OF<\/p>\n BA Grade\/Risk: 50\/Average Track Record: The Orioles had plenty of infielders already committed to their 2022 international class but couldn\u2019t pass up Estrada, a $150,000 signee who has outperformed his peers at every level. He was a Dominican Summer League All Star in 2022, a Carolina League postseason all star in 2024 after a strong full-season debut at Low-A Delmarva, and earned that same honor in 2025 in the South Atlantic League for High-A Aberdeen. Estrada eventually reached Double-A Chesapeake with an .813 OPS and 34 steals between the two levels.<\/p>\n Scouting Report: Estrada has a contact-first profile and doesn\u2019t strike out much, which drives much of his offensive upside. He\u2019s growing into some power, but at times his overall quality of contact can be hindered by his aggressive approach at the plate, which Estrada is working to improve. He can be an average hitter with fringe-average power, and will need to maximize his offensive profile. Despite some time at shortstop and in the corner outfield, Estrada is best suited for second base and may not end up more than an average defender there. Still, he\u2019s an above-average runner who plays the game hard and maximizes his skills on the field.<\/p>\n The Future: Reaching Double-A and holding his own at age 20 puts Estrada on a good path towards the big leagues, where he can be a bat-first everyday second baseman at his peak. He\u2019ll likely be back at Double-A Chesapeake to start 2026.<\/p>\n Scouting Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Field: 50 | Arm: 50<\/p>\n
Adjusted Grade: 40<\/p>\n