Who will be the Shorebirds? 2025 edition
Trying to figure out who I'll be watching this summer.
Once again I’m doing this without a net since I did not see a minor league spring training roster. (Plus I missed this last season because of other business.) I may be again overstating the number of returnees coming back this season, but to me the Orioles have an extremely top-heavy minor league system: most of their top prospects are close to major-league ready so they’re making the newly renamed Chesapeake Baysox and Norfolk REALLY loaded AA and AAA squads. It makes advancement for the lower-level players more difficult.
Anyway, without further ado, here are my wild guesses. Because the Carolina League has a 30-man roster and we need a crapton of pitchers at this level where a complete game is all but unheard of, I composed this roster with 17 pitchers and 13 position players - 3 catchers, 5 infielders, and 5 outfielders.
Starting/bulk pitchers (7)
This is a group of pitchers who appear to be stretched out enough to be starters or have been predominantly starters in their career. They can either start the game or come in for multiple innings as relief.
Keeler Morfe (0-1, 6.75 with Delmarva, 0-2, 2.76 overall with Delmarva and DSL Orioles Orange.) To jump a player directly from the DSL to Delmarva is unusual, although it may become more commonplace now that the Complex League season starts and ends earlier. But the Orioles #9 prospect should be ready to move up now despite his young age (he turns 19 mid-season.) Might be the Opening Day starter as the most highly regarded prospect for the Shorebirds, but may be held back a day or two to ease the transition - or to game 4 to be the home opener starter.
Chase Allsup (4-3, 5.63 for Auburn University; Orioles’ 4th round pick in 2024 draft.) One of several pitchers who was held out of action in 2024 after being drafted, he would be making his pro debut as a Shorebird starter. Chase will turn 22 in April and became a starter in his last two years of college. Looks like more of a pitch-to-contact guy but may do better in a wood bat situation since he never pitched in summer ball, per Baseball Reference.
Yeiber Cartaya (2-0, 1.11 for Delmarva, 2-4, 2.92 overall between Delmarva and FCL.) One of those who improved as the season went along and got himself promoted midstream, he’s probably good for a half-season on his trajectory. Was fairly dominant at this level, and at 22 years old may push for starting the season with Aberdeen instead.
Jack Crowder (8-2, 4.88 for University of Illinois; Orioles’ 9th round selection in 2024 draft.) Another drafted pitcher who got a break after a workhorse college season (16 starts and 90 1/3 innings), Delmarva seems like a good spot to break him in given a spring training and coming from a cold-weather school. The fact that he had 8 wins in that situation means he’s capable of working deep into games if the Orioles wish to use him that way. He’ll turn 23 in July.
Eccel Correa (2-4, 4.94 for Delmarva, 3-4, 4.57 including one start for the FCL Orioles.) Basically a repeater who could be the fifth starter, the 22 year old pitched decently enough last season. He was the best remaining of the group I thought would be starting-capable.
Sebastian Gongora (0-0, 5.40 for Aberdeen in one appearance, Orioles’ 11th round pick in 2024 draft out of Louisville, where he was 5-4, 6.14.) We’re not doing a six-man rotation (I don’t think) but Gongora is one of two lefties in the group so he may slot in somewhere in the middle. Sebastian will be 24 by season’s end.
Carson Dorsey (0-0, 108.00 for Aberdeen in one appearance, Orioles’ 7th round pick out of Florida State, where he was 8-4, 4.60 as a swingman.) I’m putting him on the Shorebirds’ Opening Day roster based on his draft position but would not be surprised if he doesn’t come along later considering his warm-weather background and rough introduction to the professional ranks. The 22-year-old lefty may be more suited for a lower-pressure stint in the FCL and June callup.
Relief pitchers (10)
Relief pitcher is a term used sort of loosely because a lot of their appearances will be of the “bulk” variety (3-4 innings.) They’re just the guys who come on in the middle innings and may or may not finish the game. Since a few of these guys had a very brief stint here last year they may be bulk pitchers or may end up as starters down the road. I’m also putting the college pitchers selected in the later rounds in this category, although it’s likely some will work their way into the starter/bulk slots quickly based on performance.
Eddy Alberto (1-2, 4.34 for Delmarva, 1-2, 4.31 overall between Delmarva and FCL.) More of a classic relief pitcher, Eddy was unscored upon in his last six appearances for the Shorebirds and could be in line for a quick promotion. He had one save last season. He just turned 23 so he is due.
Bryan Bautista (2-2, 4.74 for FCL Orioles.) After two decent seasons in the FCL, the time is probably right to see how he does at the next level. He could be in the mix for a move up to the starter/bulk category if he starts out well, seeing that he just turned 21.
Michael Caldon (6-3, 3.58 for Felician University, Orioles’ 18th round draft choice.) Given his small-college status and late-round selection, I have Caldon pegged for a relief role. He’s on here based partially on his background in a cold-weather state, but he may start in Florida as well. He’ll be 22 all season.
Brandon Downer (6-6, 4.35 for California Baptist, Orioles’ 13th round draft choice.) Sort of similar to Caldon above, although I didn’t know CBU was in the Western Athletic Conference for baseball. That means he’s probably had a little experience with cooler weather, too. Nice, large kid (6’-5”, 225) who will turn 22 during the season.
Simon Leandro (0-0, 2.70 for Delmarva, 2-1, 5.36 overall between FCL and Delmarva.) Pitched a little bit here last year and didn’t embarrass himself, so I figured he could be a bullpen piece. He turns 23 early in the season.
Kenny Leiner (1-0, 3.24 for Delmarva.) A non-drafted free agent who is a converted catcher and was signed out of the Coastal Plain League after mostly catching at Western Carolina, Kenny came up in August as one of three NDFAs the Orioles threw our way in 2024. He could start as a closer and turns 24 midstream.
Andres Parra (0-1, 3.20 for FCL Orioles.) One of the lefties on my list, Parra just turned 20 and seems ready for the next level with our dearth of southpaws. (Just 5 of 35 FCL Oriole hurlers threw from the left side.)
Christian Rodriguez (3-8, 5.45 for CS-Fullerton, Orioles’ 10th round draft selection.) Christian should already be familiar with the area as the Orioles plucked him out of the MLB Draft League’s Frederick Keys, where he went 3-1, 3.92 and threw a complete game in his only start. Another tall kid at 6’-6” and 223 pounds who may move into bulk pitching quickly. He turned 23 over the winter.
Carter Rustad (5-6, 6.37 for University of Missouri, 15th round draftee by the Orioles.) Not many guys get to pitch in major league spring training, but Rustad has, which means the Orioles may challenge him at Aberdeen instead. But I think they will still start him here. A swingman for Missouri last season, he will be among the oldest Shorebirds as he turns 24 in April.
Luis Sanchez (4-2, 6.85 for Aberdeen.) A 22-year-old who pitched decently for us in 2023, he’s the kid I can see the Orioles giving a reset to, as has happened before on a few occasions. Definitely needs to work on the control as he walked more than he struck out for the Ironbirds last season.
On reserve: Jacob Cravey, Joe Glassey, Evan Yates. Cravey was a starter/bulk pitcher for us last year who may need a new role, Glassey was an NDFA who I think starts at Aberdeen, and Yates was a 20th round draft pick who was a teammate of Rodriguez at Cal State-Fullerton and may start out in the Complex League.
Catchers (3)
Since I think the primary catchers from our team last year will be promoted, I basically advanced the catchers from the FSL to play here, although one did show briefly in 2024. Two of the four catchers Baltimore picked last year are likely beyond this level, while a third is among my outfielders and the fourth was picked out of high school so is likely FCL-bound.
Yasmil Bucce (.185/1/11/.676 OPS with FCL - 14 games as catcher, 14 at first base, 2 as pitcher.) After a good year at the plate with the FCL Orioles in 2023, Bucce fell off last season as he adopted the Orioles’ philosophy of splitting time between catcher and first base. So far he hasn’t adapted all that well, and has trouble throwing out runners. He does have the asset of being a switch-hitter, though. Likely the third stringer and turns 21 during the season.
Andres Nolaya (.220/0/16/.628 OPS with FCL - 22 games as catcher, 11 at first base, 1 as pitcher.) Although 23% isn’t saying much, Andres was the best at nabbing baserunners among the FCL crop. He also had the least first-base action among the three. Nolaya turns 20 just before the season begins.
Miguel Rodriguez (.203/1/9/.617 OPS with Delmarva, .274/4/24/.767 OPS overall between Delmarva and FCL - 33 games as catcher, 25 at first base collectively.) A late-season callup from the FCL, Rodriguez fought for time with the college kids and did okay. Without that competition around, I think the 19-year-old will be our primary receiver behind the plate.
Infielders (5)
Because we have guys who can catch and cover first base, there are really three positions at stake here - although most guys at this level are utility players anyway.
Edwin Amparo (.284/2/8/.793 OPS with Delmarva, .259/6/31/.787 OPS overall between Delmarva and FCL - 43 games at 2B, 16 games at SS, 13 games at 3B, 1 game in LF.) It wouldn’t shock me if he’s not at Aberdeen by mid-season given these offensive numbers. The biggest drawback is his defense, as he struggled there at times with the Shorebirds, so that is where Amparo has to put in the work. He turned 20 during the offseason and is a switch-hitter, which is a plus.
Edrei Campos (.250/0/1/.500 OPS with Delmarva in 5 games, .260/2/15/.710 OPS between Delmarva and FCL - 15 games at 2B, 10 games at 3B, 7 games at SS, 2 games in LF, 2 games as P, 1 game in RF.) Offensively I could almost say the same thing I did about Amparo, although his Delmarva numbers were shorter. Campos will turn 20 during the season, and brings a slightly better glove than Amparo, with a valuable left-handed bat. Both should get the chance to improve.
Anderson De Los Santos (.206/8/42/.647 OPS with Delmarva, .197/9/44/.633 OPS between Delmarva and Aberdeen - 72 games at 3B, 27 games at 1B.) This would be his third crack at Delmarva at the age of 21, with the hope that his bat can somehow play at a pair of positions that are offensive-minded. There’s a bit of thump there, Anderson just has to connect. But he has others breathing down his neck, as you’ll see.
Steven Ondina (.200/0/1/.435 OPS in 4 Delmarva games, with 2 at 2B.) A non-drafted free agent who was a shortstop at Arizona State, Steven went home to Puerto Rico over the winter and hit .236/0/2/.584 OPS in 23 games for Caguas, where he played mostly second base. I suspect the 23-year-old will be introduced to third base over the next few months to fit in with the rest of the Shorebird middle infield. We just hope to see him as he debuted after we completed our home season.
Angel Tejada (.253/3/27/.663 OPS for Delmarva, .234/4/33/.605 OPS between Delmarva and Aberdeen - 36 games at 2B, 30 games at 3B, 7 games at 1B, 3 games in LF, 2 games in RF.) Tejada struggled enough at Aberdeen that I brought him back to play third base. Seems like he’s been here awhile but he’s only 21 and can pile up some good numbers to take back to Aberdeen once the reinforcements are ready.
On reserve: Three guys who I think will be here by year’s end: Luis Almeyda, a 19-year-old SS/3B who was a native-born international signee (his family moved to the DR so he could sign a $2.3 million pro contract at the age of 16), Christian Benavides, a more true utility man who has time in the outfield as well as all four infield positions (he turns 20 during the season), and 3B/SS Joshua Liranzo, who is considered the Orioles #21 prospect despite hitting just .220 in the FCL last season. He turns 19 late in the season and will likely supplant either De Los Santos or Tejada once they leave. Of the three, Benavides is the only one who’s played at this level - 2 games last year.
Outfielders (5)
A lot of holdovers at this position for one reason or another, generally subpar performance.
Elis Cuevas (.234/2/7/.742 OPS with Delmarva, .260/8/30/.791 OPS between Delmarva and FCL - 39 games in RF, 20 games in CF, 12 games at 1B, 4 games in LF, 3 games at 3B.) The 20-year-old got his feet wet here last year and should anchor the outfield for the Shorebirds this season, while pitching in at the corner infield on occasion.
Kevin Guerrero (.205/2/20/.553 OPS with Delmarva - 35 games in RF, 16 games in LF, 8 games in CF.) Turns 21 in the opening weeks of the season and simply needs to work on improving his offense. A very capable outfielder who had 10 assists last season in 58 games, from all over the ballpark.
Thomas Sosa (.244/4/17/.697 OPS with Delmarva, .230/4/20/654 OPS overall - 32 games in RF, 27 games in CF, 18 in LF.) I’m probably impeding his progress, but he didn’t show that much in Aberdeen and it doesn’t hurt him to repeat this level for awhile at just 20 years old, despite being the #22 Orioles prospect. A left-handed bat is big at this level, too.
Braylin Tavera (.173/1/26/.508 OPS overall, all but 7 AB with Delmarva - 44 games in CF, 20 games in RF, 15 games in LF.). A highly-touted prospect entering last year, Tavera spit out the bit in 2024. But a lot of good players have repeated this level and having just turned 20, he has time to re-establish his prospect status with a big year here.
Colin Tuft (.177/1/8/.629 OPS with Delmarva - 7 games in LF, 5 games as C, 4 games at 1B, 1 game in RF.) A versatile 8th round draft pick from last year out of Tulane, Tuft struggled at the plate but should have a full season to work out the kinks. At 22 he’s among the oldest of the position players we’ll have. I’m putting him in the outfield for now, but before long Colin may be the #1 catcher if Rodriguez is injured or starts out in a slump. He’s also one of just two college position players we’ll have to begin the season - most of those college veteran players will be on the mound.
On reserve: Breathing down the neck of these five are a group of five that includes 2 of the top 25 Oriole prospects gaining experience. Stiven Martinez is most likely a 2026 Shorebird since he hasn’t played stateside yet, but he’s considered the #13 prospect for the Orioles as a center fielder who is just 17 years old. Switch-hitting Fernando Peguero is more of a utility guy (with time at 2B and 3B) who has played as high as Norfolk despite his young age, being 20 years old. He may be an organization player, but Delmarva would be an appropriate level for him since he hit .444 in a cup of coffee here. Yirbir Ruiz is another switch-hitter; a corner outfielder who, at 20 years old, would need to put together another decent season in the FCL to break through.
Like Martinez above, Jordan Sanchez is the #25 prospect in the Orioles’ system but hasn’t made it stateside yet. The 18-year-old played primarily right field in the DSL but swung a hot bat that could get him here late-season with an FCL repeat. Finally, Luis Vicioso is a late-blooming 22-year-old (as of May) who has spent the preponderance of his time in left field, unlike the other prospective outfielders. He’s a bit more of a longshot to make it out of the FCL this season and would need to improve offensively.
We’ll see what lineup we get on April 4th when the team opens on the road at Salem against the Red Sox. It’s possible will be a bit of a preview on April 2nd as the team hosts an open practice at Perdue Stadium, but the “break camp” roster is always a little different than the opening day one.
In the meantime, though, you can Buy Me a Coffee, since I have a page there now. You can also like and restack this piece so others can enjoy it.
great work, mike! this year i made up my roster (example: outfield- cuevas, jordan sanchez,b. tavera,tuft, liranzo, s. martinez, raylin ramos) and then checked it on AI with x's grok (tavera 85% likely on opening day roster, cuevas 80, tuft 75, sosa 70, liranzo 50). super fun to see how our guesses come out!