Alumni Spotlight: A Look Ahead into Top 2026 Orioles Prospects
FREDERICK, MD – Despite 2025 concluding in a matter of weeks, it’s never too early to look ahead to top prospects that could make their Nymeo Field debuts this coming spring. Leading the way in High-A prospects is outfielder Nate George who finished this past season with the former High-A
FREDERICK, MD – Despite 2025 concluding in a matter of weeks, it’s never too early to look ahead to top prospects that could make their Nymeo Field debuts this coming spring.
Leading the way in High-A prospects is outfielder Nate George who finished this past season with the former High-A Orioles affiliate Aberdeen IronBirds. The eighth overall ranked Orioles prospect played in 21 games with Aberdeen in 2025 and had a .291 average and seven RBIs.
Not far behind at ninth overall is left-handed pitcher Boston Bateman, who came to the Orioles as part of a trade with the San Diego Padres in late July. During limited action with both Single-A Delmarva and Aberdeen, the 6-foot-8 southpaw started five games and recorded 19 strikeouts across 18.2 innings.
At 18th ranked overall, outfielder Vance Honeycutt looks to take another step heading into 2026 following his 101-game season with Aberdeen this past summer. During his first full year of Minor League baseball, the former North Carolina Tar Heel totaled 12 doubles and 24 RBIs with the IronBirds, quickly becoming an every-day starter for IronBirds Manager Ryan Goll.
In addition to the top-ranked High-A players, several recently drafted prospects could very well find themselves in a Keys uniform soon, including 2025 Orioles first-round draft pick in catcher Ike Irish. A 2025 consensus All-American at Auburn, Irish played 20 games for the Shorebirds last summer leading him.
As the roster start to finalize when pitchers and catchers report in early February, these prospects along with many more will make up the new and exciting Keys roster for their return to affiliated baseball in April 2026.
Watch these and more future stars as the Frederick Keys make their return to affiliated baseball next season as the High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The first home game will take place on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. against the Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees) at the newly renovated Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. Tickets and the promotional schedule will be released at a later date.