{"id":112774,"date":"2026-01-23T21:43:41","date_gmt":"2026-01-24T02:43:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=112774"},"modified":"2026-01-23T21:43:41","modified_gmt":"2026-01-24T02:43:41","slug":"three-prospects-could-make-surprise-appearance-orioles-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/01\/23\/three-prospects-could-make-surprise-appearance-orioles-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Prospects Who Could Make a Surprise Appearance for the 2026 Orioles"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Baltimore Orioles have had a busy offseason in 2026.<\/p>\n

It started with a trade<\/a> for outfielder Taylor Ward<\/a>, then the massive five-year deal<\/a> for first baseman Pete Alonso<\/a>. They rounded their rotation out shortly after getting Alonso with a trade for Shane Baz<\/a> from the Tampa Bay Rays. Throwing in some small relievers in Ryan Helsley<\/a> and Andrew Kittredge<\/a>, Baltimore’s roster is essentially complete for the American League East.<\/p>\n

Still, there is always room for the team to upgrade, especially given their payroll sits at $198 million with $45 million in tax space. The Orioles are still eyeing up Framber Valdez<\/a>, but they are more than likely done regardless of a move. They also have to take into consideration the rookies and prospects.<\/p>\n

Outside of Dylan Beavers<\/a> and Samuel Basallo<\/a>, the Orioles have a few prospects they can call up in 2026. Even though their farm system is far weaker than it was a few years ago, there are three names to watch for this upcoming season.<\/p>\n

\"Juaron
Oklahoma State pitcher Juaron Watts-Brown (23) pitches during a game in the NCAA Stillwater Regional between the Oklahoma State Cowboys (OSU) and the Dallas Baptist Patriots at O’Brate Stadium in Stillwater, Okla., on Saturday, June 3, 2023. Credit: \u00a9 NATHAN J. FISH\/THE OKLAHOMAN \/ USA TODAY NETWORK<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Three Orioles Prospects Who Could Get a Surprise Call-Up This Season<\/h2>\n

1. Juaron Watts-Brown, Right-Handed Pitcher<\/h3>\n

2025 Stats (A+\/AA): 26 starts; 3-8; 124 1\/3 innings pitched; 3.62 ERA; 90 hits and 50 BB (1.126 WHIP); 16 HRs; 158 K; .199 OBA<\/em><\/p>\n

Juaron Watts-Brown<\/a> came over to the Orioles in the Seranthony Dominguez<\/a> trade with the Toronto Blue Jays before the trade deadline. As part of their fire sale, the Orioles sought major pitching upgrades for the future.<\/p>\n

The 23-year-old right-hander is graded<\/a> with a plus-slider and slightly above-average curveball, but needs work on his control. While his fastball tops out at only 96 miles an hour, it has enough movement to generate misses alongside a slow-moving curveball.<\/p>\n

\n

Juaron Watts-Brown struck out six in his Baysox debut pic.twitter.com\/PumAhZ1vzs<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Chesapeake Baysox (@BaysoxOfficial) August 3, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n