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The Top Three Prospects the Orioles Got at the Trade Deadline

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The Baltimore Orioles made a slew of trades before Thursday’s trade deadline, netting several impact prospects. Several players found themselves moving to different teams, including Ryan O’Hearn, Ramon Laureano, Cedric Mullins, and several bullpen pitchers. A few impact players, including Félix Bautista, remained in Baltimore at the time trading closed.

Jun 21, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Ryan O’Hearn (32) fields a ground ball hit by New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Domínguez (not pictured) and tosses the ball to first base for an out during the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

In one trade, O’Hearn and Laureano found themselves with the San Diego Padres for a six-player package to rebuild the team’s depleted farm system. The team netted more than a dozen prospects across all the trades in July alone. There are three players, however, who stand out the most and could offer the team excellent value in several years.

The Best Three Prospect Acquisitions by the Orioles at the Deadline

Boston Bateman (RHP)

2025 Stats (Low-A): 15 games started; 68.1 innings pitched, 5-5; 4.08 ERA; 65 hits and 25 BB (1.317 WHIP); 1 HR; 75 K; .249 OBA

The six-man haul the Orioles got from the Padres was headlined by San Diego’s fourth-ranked prospect, Boston Bateman. The Padres drafted the 19-year-old in the second round of the 2024 MLB Draft, noted for his towering six-foot-eight height and makeup. There were also some rave reviews for his work ethic and confidence.

In 2025, Bateman added a third pitch to his arsenal, a changeup, on top of his fastball and plus-graded curveball. His fastball found a new velocity, topping 97 miles an hour, while his changeup began to find new life. The towering lefty can become a back-of-rotation starter if he’s able to develop an effective third pitch before he hits Triple-A.

Bateman’s stats in his first season of professional play showcase a lot to like about the lefty. In 68 1/3 innings pitched, he’s only surrendered one home run and walked only 25, both healthy rates. In addition, his strikeout rate is nearly 10 per nine innings, a good number given he’s only 19 years old. He’s also got his command mostly in order, hitting only three batters and tossing five wild pitches.

The biggest downside for Bateman is his aforementioned arsenal. It’s resulted in hitters being able to guess what pitch will be coming next, leading to nearly one hit per inning, but it’s a very fixable problem.

Bateman appears to be the highest-ranked pitcher the team got in a deadline that saw nearly a dozen pitchers come over to their farm system. Keep a close eye on whether he develops his curveball and a fourth pitch. The Orioles need pitching badly; he might be an asset in a few years.

Anthony Nunez (RHP)

2025 Stats (Two Levels): 32 appearances; 40 innings pitched; 2-1; 5 saves; 15 hits and 17 BB (0.800 WHIP); 0 HR; 60 K; .119 OBA

Anthony Nunez‘s major league story is a unique one in the Orioles’ haul this year. He originally started in 2019 in the Padres’ system as an infielder, playing 64 games between 2019 and 2021. He went back to school after being released, restarting his professional career as a pitcher with the New York Mets. Nunez headed a three-player package for Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins.

The 24-year-old found major success transitioning to the front of the bullpen. Nunez finds himself with only 15 hits and 17 walks in 40 innings, both healthy rates, and striking out nearly 40% of the batters he faces. His command is also excellent for a prospective closer, hitting only one batter and throwing five wild pitches.

A four-pitch arsenal featuring a plus slider and changeup is to thank for his fantastic numbers. While his fastball is considered to be low in velocity, around 96 miles per hour, his offspeed offerings offset that. He could very well replace Bautista in the bullpen if they decide to deal him next year.

There’s a high floor with Nunez, although his ceiling could be limited due to some struggles at higher levels. He still offers a very diverse profile for the team, though his stamina prevents him from being a big-league starter.

Wilfri De La Cruz (SS)

2025 Stats (Rookie League): 84 ABs; .262/.442/.859; 9 doubles; 2 triples; 9 RBIs; 26 BB to 24 K; 9 SB

Not all of the prospects the Orioles traded for at the deadline were pitchers. Wilfri De La Cruz represents one of a few position players who could be valuable trade chips or starter-worthy in the next few years. Signed by the Chicago Cubs earlier this year, he was the lone player sent for right-handed pitcher Andrew Kittredge.

He’s only 17 years old, so his stats are jumpy and limited. What is apparent is his ability to use the gap to leg out extra base hits. He doesn’t have raw power yet, but it will develop as he gets older and the team conditions his strength. His nine stolen bases also show his speed, which is paramount to his development as a long-term infielder.

A downside of De La Cruz is his fielding. At the shortstop position, he committed eight errors in 97 chances. It’s solvable with time, but scouting reports suggest he could move to third, an area of concern for the Orioles. He could be a very important player at the position, but he’s still very far away from major league quality.

 

Main Photo Credit: © Ventura County Star-USA TODAY NETWORK

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