The Baltimore Orioles’ championship window is officially cracked wide open, but as Opening Day approaches, the focus in the Warehouse has shifted from "someday" to "right now." While the core of the roster is veteran-heavy and battle-tested, the next wave of talent, specifically a stable of high-velocity arms, is expected to provide the necessary depth to navigate a grueling 162-game slate.
The club’s philosophy has evolved under the current regime, moving away from the era of neglecting the international market to building a modern "pitching lab" that turns undrafted free agents and late-round picks into triple-digit threats. With several key prospects facing Rule 5 roster decisions this winter, the pressure is on for this group to prove they can stick at the major league level before the season’s end.
Here are the five prospects on Nolan's list currently making noise in the system who could determine the O's depth in 2026:
Levi Wells (RHP) Wells is the definition of "perk up your ears" velocity, consistently flirting with triple digits on a fastball that remains his primary calling card. While he began the year at Triple-A Norfolk to refine his secondary offerings, his power-pitcher makeup suggests he could be a lethal high-leverage weapon out of the Baltimore bullpen by mid-summer.
Nestor German (RHP) A savvy late-round find, German mirrors Wells with a starter’s frame and the refined command necessary to hold down a rotation spot. He is a primary candidate for a "cup of coffee" call-up this season as the front office evaluates whether to protect him from the upcoming Rule 5 draft.
Luis De León (LHP) Signed for a modest $30,000 in 2021, De León has blossomed into the premier left-handed arm in the system with a fastball that sits in the high 90s. His ability to neutralize left-handed hitters gives him a massive advantage in modern MLB matchup strategy, making him a likely candidate for a late-season relief role.
Trey Gibson (RHP) The 6-foot-5 undrafted free agent has skyrocketed up the rankings and is poised to become the organization’s top-ranked prospect as others graduate to the big leagues. Despite a heavy 120-inning workload last year, his dominant three-scoreless-inning stint against the Yankees this spring proved his "power-pitcher" stuff is nearly ready for the bright lights.
Enrique Bradfield Jr. (OF) The lone position player on this list, Bradfield Jr. offers a rare "80-grade" speed-and-defense combo that remains a nightmare for opposing managers on the basepaths. While concerns about his offensive ceiling persist, he is widely viewed as a lock for a September call-up to serve as a late-game defensive replacement and pinch-running specialist.