The Baltimore Orioles have finished their spring training run with a 13-13 record after a 2-0 victory against the Washington Nationals.
Baltimore got their first look at top free-agency acquisition Pete Alonso, alongside pitchers Shane Baz and Chris Bassitt. They also got good performances from outfielder Taylor Ward and 2025 shortstop draft pick Wehiwa Aloy. Despite a litany of injuries that have thrown question marks into the pitching staff, the team appears to be in a good position for 2026.
Several prospects and even some low-tier free agency signings, however, have impressed. They might even have a shot at making the opening day roster and staying there for a while.
1) Cameron Weston, Right-Handed Pitcher
Cameron Weston was drafted by the team in the eighth round of the 2022 Major League Baseball draft, peaking at number 17 on the team’s top 30 prospect list in 2025. Despite grading at an average with his control, his lack of fastball movement caused concern for his future.
Despite only getting to the low-90s with his fastball, his sweeper generated misses. The second problem, highlighted on his scouting report, was whether his stuff could strike out more experienced hitters.
“Weston could profile as the type of valuable multi-inning reliever that tends to always be in demand and consequently enjoy lengthy careers,” the scouting report concludes.
The amount of east-west movement Orioles’ prospect Cameron Weston creates is absurd. As much as 40 inches of horizontal separation between the sweeper and the changeup. Could Weston find himself in the Orioles rotation soon? pic.twitter.com/5ATE7RHipC
— Chris Clegg (@ChrisCleggMiLB) June 12, 2025
The 25-year-old flashed a strong sign of his potential in spring training, pitching five innings in two relief appearances and striking out eight with two walks and two hits. He also generated two groundouts per flyout, proof that his fastball generates weak contact when working.
Weston currently holds a five-pitch arsenal, including his sweeper and a changeup that he flashes from time to time. The only downside is that his pitches lack vertical movement, usually dropping below 42 inches.
He was optioned to minor-league camp on March 8, mainly due to his poor performance at Triple-A last year. Still, Weston actually had a better spring than reliever Jackson Kowar, who tossed one wild pitch and hit a batter. The Orioles could pull off a last-second move and bring him back if they’re not sure about Kowar’s abilities.
2) Bryan Ramos, Third Base
Losing Jordan Westburg to a UCL injury shook this team’s depth early on, and they might not have him at all in 2026. There were concerns early on that Coby Mayo would have to switch back to the position where he has struggled.
Bryan Ramos might have helped solve that issue for now, batting a .316/.381/.855 slash line with three doubles and a home run. He did strike out 10 times and only walked three, but his consistent offensive production should earn him consideration.
The 23-year-old bounced back and forth between the Chicago White Sox and their Triple-A affiliate in Charlotte. Despite a rough offensive performance, he held his own at third base, committing only one error in 63 career chances. He was picked up by the Orioles after being designated for assignment by the St. Louis Cardinals.
Ramos has shown speed in the minors, swiping 13 bags at Charlotte last year. The glaring issue is his strikeout rate, which can hover between 25 to 30%. If he can improve his on-base percentage, he could absolutely be a piece for the Orioles down the line.
The downside for Ramos’ chances for an opening day roster is that Ryan Mountcastle is still on the team, which blocks a path for him. At the same time, Jeremiah Jackson’s versatility in the infield and outfield also complicates matters. If Westburg misses more time and Jackson gets injured as well, or if Mountcastle is traded, Ramos could get the call.
3) Yaramil Hiraldo, Right-Handed Pitcher
It cannot be stressed enough how many reinforcements the Orioles need for their bullpen this year. The loss of Félix Bautista was already bad, but losing Andrew Kittredge to shoulder inflammation is worse. It could also affect his 2026 play.
If Baltimore wants to take stress off Kittridge this year, Yaramil Hiraldo could be a suitable option. The former Arizona Diamondback draftee found himself back in the majors after playing independent-league ball from 2021 to 2024. He even debuted for the Orioles, playing 18 games to a 4.58 ERA and 1.32 WHIP.
Curious to see what Yaramil Hiraldo can do in 2026.
34% K rate across 45 minor league innings last year after not pitching in affiliated ball since 2021. Flashed his potential in 18 MLB outings.
LIDOM stats this winter: 9 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 13 K pic.twitter.com/2s7gun4c1T
— The Verge- An Orioles MiLB Podcast (@TheVergePod) January 26, 2026
Hiraldo, despite the high WHIP and ERA, had an effective three-pitch arsenal. He held a 38% chase rate and a 37% whiff rate, while holding himself to only 30% of hard-hit contact. He did have issues with his fastball, but found strong success in his changeup and slider combo.
Hiraldo might be the likeliest of the three on here to make the team, given he’s already played at the major league level. However, he could also step in as a setup guy for the team if either Dietrich Enns or Ryan Helsley gets injured or starts flunking.
Main Photo Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
