Orioles On the Verge
@oriolesontheverge.bsky.social
Zach, Nick, and Bob provide the most comprehensive coverage of the Orioles minor league system.
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Orioles Top 50 Prospects - 2026 Midseason Update
YouTube video by Orioles On the Verge
www.youtube.com
Breaking down our brand new top 50 Orioles prospects list:
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/00rg...
YouTube: www.youtube.com/live/c6CSEIn...
oriolesontheverge.com
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/2...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/00rg...
YouTube: www.youtube.com/live/c6CSEIn...
oriolesontheverge.com
After hitting 25 home runs this year and ending the season in Triple-A, IF prospect Aron Estrada has reported to Águilas del Zulia back home in Venezuela.
He's joined by Orioles catching prospects Yasmil Bucce and Andrés Nolaya.
He's joined by Orioles catching prospects Yasmil Bucce and Andrés Nolaya.
October 8, 2026 at 1:02 AM
After hitting 25 home runs this year and ending the season in Triple-A, IF prospect Aron Estrada has reported to Águilas del Zulia back home in Venezuela.
He's joined by Orioles catching prospects Yasmil Bucce and Andrés Nolaya.
He's joined by Orioles catching prospects Yasmil Bucce and Andrés Nolaya.
Checking in on Orioles prospects in the Arizona Fall League.
oriolesontheverge.substack.com/p/orioles-pr...
oriolesontheverge.substack.com/p/orioles-pr...
Orioles prospects off to hot starts in the Arizona Fall League
Orioles Arizona Fall League Update
oriolesontheverge.substack.com
October 6, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Checking in on Orioles prospects in the Arizona Fall League.
oriolesontheverge.substack.com/p/orioles-pr...
oriolesontheverge.substack.com/p/orioles-pr...
On this week's episode:
- Minor league award season
- Some extreme minor league park factors
- MLB Trade Rumors arbitration projections. Any potential surprises?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys7L...
- Minor league award season
- Some extreme minor league park factors
- MLB Trade Rumors arbitration projections. Any potential surprises?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys7L...
2026 Minor League Awards
YouTube video by Orioles On the Verge
www.youtube.com
October 6, 2026 at 4:39 PM
On this week's episode:
- Minor league award season
- Some extreme minor league park factors
- MLB Trade Rumors arbitration projections. Any potential surprises?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys7L...
- Minor league award season
- Some extreme minor league park factors
- MLB Trade Rumors arbitration projections. Any potential surprises?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ys7L...
Couple of Orioles prospects playing in the Dominican Republic this winter, including Payton Eeles (Toros del Este) and Thomas Sosa (Gigantes del Cibao).
LIDOM play begins next week.
LIDOM play begins next week.
October 6, 2026 at 11:42 AM
Couple of Orioles prospects playing in the Dominican Republic this winter, including Payton Eeles (Toros del Este) and Thomas Sosa (Gigantes del Cibao).
LIDOM play begins next week.
LIDOM play begins next week.
Full AFL recap from today:
Ike Irish: 2/5, SB
Vance Honeycutt: 2/4, HR, 2 RBI, BB, SB
Brandon Butterworth: 1/4, 2B, BB
Teddy Sharkey: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Ike Irish: 2/5, SB
Vance Honeycutt: 2/4, HR, 2 RBI, BB, SB
Brandon Butterworth: 1/4, 2B, BB
Teddy Sharkey: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
October 6, 2026 at 12:39 AM
Full AFL recap from today:
Ike Irish: 2/5, SB
Vance Honeycutt: 2/4, HR, 2 RBI, BB, SB
Brandon Butterworth: 1/4, 2B, BB
Teddy Sharkey: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Ike Irish: 2/5, SB
Vance Honeycutt: 2/4, HR, 2 RBI, BB, SB
Brandon Butterworth: 1/4, 2B, BB
Teddy Sharkey: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Vance Honeycutt's first AFL home run goes 106.6 mph off the bat.
October 5, 2026 at 11:32 PM
Vance Honeycutt's first AFL home run goes 106.6 mph off the bat.
RHP Braxton Bragg strikes out the first batter he faces tonight with a 95.6 mph sinker.
Two total strikeouts in a scoreless first inning. Welcome back!
(CF camera on the feed is unwatchable until the sun finishes setting)
Two total strikeouts in a scoreless first inning. Welcome back!
(CF camera on the feed is unwatchable until the sun finishes setting)
October 5, 2026 at 12:53 AM
RHP Braxton Bragg strikes out the first batter he faces tonight with a 95.6 mph sinker.
Two total strikeouts in a scoreless first inning. Welcome back!
(CF camera on the feed is unwatchable until the sun finishes setting)
Two total strikeouts in a scoreless first inning. Welcome back!
(CF camera on the feed is unwatchable until the sun finishes setting)
Last night's AFL broadcast referenced Ike Irish saying he felt more "free" having moved from behind the plate (as he hit an opposite-field home run)
More details on Irish and his "balls to the wall" style.
blogs.fangraphs.com/sunday-notes...
More details on Irish and his "balls to the wall" style.
blogs.fangraphs.com/sunday-notes...
Sunday Notes: A Burdened Backstop No More, Ike Irish Aims to Bash in Baltimore
Plus Reid Easterly’s education, Mike Chernoff on Cleveland’s potential postseason boost, Bryan Hudson on getting back in sync, Zyhir Hope on simplicity, facts and stats galore, and more.
blogs.fangraphs.com
October 4, 2026 at 9:54 PM
Last night's AFL broadcast referenced Ike Irish saying he felt more "free" having moved from behind the plate (as he hit an opposite-field home run)
More details on Irish and his "balls to the wall" style.
blogs.fangraphs.com/sunday-notes...
More details on Irish and his "balls to the wall" style.
blogs.fangraphs.com/sunday-notes...
Kiefer Lord's final line in his first AFL outing:
2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Sat 96 mph w/16+ in. IVB. Topped out at 97.6 mph.
2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Sat 96 mph w/16+ in. IVB. Topped out at 97.6 mph.
October 4, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Kiefer Lord's final line in his first AFL outing:
2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Sat 96 mph w/16+ in. IVB. Topped out at 97.6 mph.
2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Sat 96 mph w/16+ in. IVB. Topped out at 97.6 mph.
Enddy Azocar in High-A w/Boston:
.279 average, 25% K rate, 69% contact rate, 14.6% swinging-strike rate
In High-A w/Baltimore:
.327 average, 16.8% K rate, 79% contact rate, 10.1% swinging-strike rate
.279 average, 25% K rate, 69% contact rate, 14.6% swinging-strike rate
In High-A w/Baltimore:
.327 average, 16.8% K rate, 79% contact rate, 10.1% swinging-strike rate
October 3, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Enddy Azocar in High-A w/Boston:
.279 average, 25% K rate, 69% contact rate, 14.6% swinging-strike rate
In High-A w/Baltimore:
.327 average, 16.8% K rate, 79% contact rate, 10.1% swinging-strike rate
.279 average, 25% K rate, 69% contact rate, 14.6% swinging-strike rate
In High-A w/Baltimore:
.327 average, 16.8% K rate, 79% contact rate, 10.1% swinging-strike rate
The Arizona Fall League kicks off today!
The Peoria Javelinas will play at 9:30 tonight. RHP Braxton Bragg is scheduled to start Sunday's game. It will be his first appearance since June 28, 2025
Orioles AFL participants:
oriolesontheverge.substack.com/p/the-very-f...
The Peoria Javelinas will play at 9:30 tonight. RHP Braxton Bragg is scheduled to start Sunday's game. It will be his first appearance since June 28, 2025
Orioles AFL participants:
oriolesontheverge.substack.com/p/the-very-f...
The very fun group of Orioles prospects going to the Arizona Fall League
These nine Orioles prospects are heading out to Arizona
oriolesontheverge.substack.com
October 3, 2026 at 2:18 PM
The Arizona Fall League kicks off today!
The Peoria Javelinas will play at 9:30 tonight. RHP Braxton Bragg is scheduled to start Sunday's game. It will be his first appearance since June 28, 2025
Orioles AFL participants:
oriolesontheverge.substack.com/p/the-very-f...
The Peoria Javelinas will play at 9:30 tonight. RHP Braxton Bragg is scheduled to start Sunday's game. It will be his first appearance since June 28, 2025
Orioles AFL participants:
oriolesontheverge.substack.com/p/the-very-f...
Biggest 90EV gainers in 2026:
Vance Honeycutt: 103.8 mph > 107.8 mph
Stiven Martinez: 104.5 mph > 108.2 mph
www.baseballamerica.com/stories/25-m...
Vance Honeycutt: 103.8 mph > 107.8 mph
Stiven Martinez: 104.5 mph > 108.2 mph
www.baseballamerica.com/stories/25-m...
25 MLB Prospects Who Boosted Production With Exit Velocity Gains In 2026
Geoff Pontes highlights 25 notable prospects whose big exit velocity gains in 2026 resulted in improved performance.
www.baseballamerica.com
October 2, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Biggest 90EV gainers in 2026:
Vance Honeycutt: 103.8 mph > 107.8 mph
Stiven Martinez: 104.5 mph > 108.2 mph
www.baseballamerica.com/stories/25-m...
Vance Honeycutt: 103.8 mph > 107.8 mph
Stiven Martinez: 104.5 mph > 108.2 mph
www.baseballamerica.com/stories/25-m...
RHP Collin McKinney could be a starter to watch closely in 2027.
A 9th round pick this year out of Arizona, McKinney's fastball metrics pop, with a well-round arsenal to go with it. 7.2 scoreless with 10 K in his first taste of pro ball this year.
A 9th round pick this year out of Arizona, McKinney's fastball metrics pop, with a well-round arsenal to go with it. 7.2 scoreless with 10 K in his first taste of pro ball this year.
October 2, 2026 at 1:59 AM
RHP Collin McKinney could be a starter to watch closely in 2027.
A 9th round pick this year out of Arizona, McKinney's fastball metrics pop, with a well-round arsenal to go with it. 7.2 scoreless with 10 K in his first taste of pro ball this year.
A 9th round pick this year out of Arizona, McKinney's fastball metrics pop, with a well-round arsenal to go with it. 7.2 scoreless with 10 K in his first taste of pro ball this year.
Per Baseball America, LHP Kelvin Zapata was one of the biggest velo gainers in the Orioles system this year, going from an average of 92.5 mph to 95 mph this year.
More on Zapata from earlier this season: oriolesontheverge.substack.com/p/i-cant-sto...
More on Zapata from earlier this season: oriolesontheverge.substack.com/p/i-cant-sto...
I can't stop watching this pitcher down on the farm
LHP Kelvin Zapata continues to show growth in year two.
oriolesontheverge.substack.com
October 1, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Per Baseball America, LHP Kelvin Zapata was one of the biggest velo gainers in the Orioles system this year, going from an average of 92.5 mph to 95 mph this year.
More on Zapata from earlier this season: oriolesontheverge.substack.com/p/i-cant-sto...
More on Zapata from earlier this season: oriolesontheverge.substack.com/p/i-cant-sto...
Important takeaways here
-Norfolk was the least friendly offensive environment in the International League
-Chesapeake was VERY HR friendly but overall below-average for offense
- Frederick is an INSANE HR environment
- Delmarva HEAVILY suppresses offense/HR
www.baseballamerica.com/stories/mino...
-Norfolk was the least friendly offensive environment in the International League
-Chesapeake was VERY HR friendly but overall below-average for offense
- Frederick is an INSANE HR environment
- Delmarva HEAVILY suppresses offense/HR
www.baseballamerica.com/stories/mino...
Minor League Baseball Park Factors 2026
BA presents how each full-season minor league park played in 2026. Find out which parks favor hitters, pitchers or are neutral.
www.baseballamerica.com
September 30, 2026 at 8:26 PM
Important takeaways here
-Norfolk was the least friendly offensive environment in the International League
-Chesapeake was VERY HR friendly but overall below-average for offense
- Frederick is an INSANE HR environment
- Delmarva HEAVILY suppresses offense/HR
www.baseballamerica.com/stories/mino...
-Norfolk was the least friendly offensive environment in the International League
-Chesapeake was VERY HR friendly but overall below-average for offense
- Frederick is an INSANE HR environment
- Delmarva HEAVILY suppresses offense/HR
www.baseballamerica.com/stories/mino...
Reposted by Orioles On the Verge
My opinion is irrelevant, but this seems like a win for Camden Yards, considering those sections were closed fairly often. I'm excited to see this
News from Hayes Gardner: Oriole Park’s left field upper deck to be converted into social space www.thebanner.com/sports/oriol...
Oriole Park’s left field upper deck to be converted into social space
The state of Maryland is set to remove 2,000 seats from Camden Yards this offseason to make way for a gathering space in left field.
www.thebanner.com
September 29, 2026 at 6:13 PM
My opinion is irrelevant, but this seems like a win for Camden Yards, considering those sections were closed fairly often. I'm excited to see this
On this week's mailbag episode:
- Early offseason targets
- A Trevor Rogers discussion
- Potential minor league power regression?
- Way too early 2027 MiLB hitter and pitcher of the year candidates and plenty more!
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
YouTube: www.youtube.com/live/7V_Dt4D...
- Early offseason targets
- A Trevor Rogers discussion
- Potential minor league power regression?
- Way too early 2027 MiLB hitter and pitcher of the year candidates and plenty more!
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
YouTube: www.youtube.com/live/7V_Dt4D...
2026 Orioles Season Recap + Mailbag
YouTube video by Orioles On the Verge
www.youtube.com
September 29, 2026 at 5:00 PM
On this week's mailbag episode:
- Early offseason targets
- A Trevor Rogers discussion
- Potential minor league power regression?
- Way too early 2027 MiLB hitter and pitcher of the year candidates and plenty more!
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
YouTube: www.youtube.com/live/7V_Dt4D...
- Early offseason targets
- A Trevor Rogers discussion
- Potential minor league power regression?
- Way too early 2027 MiLB hitter and pitcher of the year candidates and plenty more!
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
YouTube: www.youtube.com/live/7V_Dt4D...
Such a fun journey to follow over the years. Excited to see what 2027 brings.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/t...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/t...
September 29, 2026 at 12:14 AM
Such a fun journey to follow over the years. Excited to see what 2027 brings.
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/t...
www.masnsports.com/blog/entry/t...
Reposted by Orioles On the Verge
If the season is done, Pete Alonso will end with an even 5.0 fWAR and 148 wRC+, both career highs and slightly better than his rookie breakout season.
Career-high walk rate and OBP, best defense on a rate basis in 5 years. Exceeded all expectations in year 1 of the contract.
Career-high walk rate and OBP, best defense on a rate basis in 5 years. Exceeded all expectations in year 1 of the contract.
September 26, 2026 at 4:23 PM
If the season is done, Pete Alonso will end with an even 5.0 fWAR and 148 wRC+, both career highs and slightly better than his rookie breakout season.
Career-high walk rate and OBP, best defense on a rate basis in 5 years. Exceeded all expectations in year 1 of the contract.
Career-high walk rate and OBP, best defense on a rate basis in 5 years. Exceeded all expectations in year 1 of the contract.
Congrats to this guy on a great season!
September 26, 2026 at 1:51 AM
Congrats to this guy on a great season!
Trey Gibson made a statement
Trey Gibson dominates in his final start of 2026.
oriolesontheverge.substack.com
September 24, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Reposted by Orioles On the Verge
So Trey has hit 98.2 and 97.8 tonight, sitting 95-96, and is averaging 3 inches more ride (17) on his 4S than usual.
He’s been able to get as much as 21” of vert in recent AAA starts, but inconsistently. Seems like he’s tinkering and making some incremental progress there.
He’s been able to get as much as 21” of vert in recent AAA starts, but inconsistently. Seems like he’s tinkering and making some incremental progress there.
I’m sorry did Trey Gibson just touch 98?
September 23, 2026 at 11:37 PM
So Trey has hit 98.2 and 97.8 tonight, sitting 95-96, and is averaging 3 inches more ride (17) on his 4S than usual.
He’s been able to get as much as 21” of vert in recent AAA starts, but inconsistently. Seems like he’s tinkering and making some incremental progress there.
He’s been able to get as much as 21” of vert in recent AAA starts, but inconsistently. Seems like he’s tinkering and making some incremental progress there.
Talked about Trey Gibson's pitch usage and how good the 4-seamer looked in his last start on this week's show:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww7B...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww7B...
2026 AAA Recap + AFL Rosters
YouTube video by Orioles On the Verge
www.youtube.com
September 23, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Talked about Trey Gibson's pitch usage and how good the 4-seamer looked in his last start on this week's show:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww7B...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww7B...