Orioles Prospect Primer: Harvey's healthy
Some players are on the verge of stardom, others are entering a crucial phase of their development and still others are getting their first tastes of full-season ball. With the 2018 season approaching, MiLB.com takes a look at the most intriguing prospects from each MLB organization.Back and healthy: Hunter Harvey,
Some players are on the verge of stardom, others are entering a crucial phase of their development and still others are getting their first tastes of full-season ball. With the 2018 season approaching, MiLB.com takes a look at the most intriguing prospects from each MLB organization.
Back and healthy: Hunter Harvey, RHP
It's no secret Harvey has battled his share of setbacks as elbow issues and Tommy John surgery have limited him to 144 1/3 innings over his five Minor League seasons. Despite the challenges, the Orioles' top pitching prospect has been marvelous when on the field.
Harvey has recorded a 2.56 ERA, 187 strikeouts and 51 walks over 38 career starts, advancing as high as Class A Delmarva last summer. With a Major League pedigree -- his father, Bryan, pitched for the Angels and Marlins -- and two plus pitches in his fastball and curve, the 23-year-old is poised to prove himself over what would be his first fully healthy season.
"Hunter's a very mature kid. He's also a tough kid who's worked really hard to get back to where he is now," said Brian Graham, the Orioles' director of player development. "He has size, he has velocity, he has all the qualities you want in a front-line pitcher."
In his third start at big league camp on March 11, Harvey was stretched out to three innings with 27 pitches and picked up the win. (He has a 3.86 ERA with seven strikeouts over seven Grapefruit League innings this year.) Graham said the Orioles want to be cautious with their 2013 first-round pick as he returns from injury, and they will be monitoring his innings, pitch count and velocity.
Shining star: Austin Hays, OF
A third-round selection in 2016, Hays was regarded as a mid-tier prospect prior to the start of the 2017 season. He's now looking like a Draft day steal after grabbing the spotlight as well as the top spot among the team's prospect rankings. Hays won the organization's Triple Crown, hitting .329 with 32 homers and 95 RBIs as he moved from Class A Advanced Frederick to Double-A Bowie in just his first full season.
"His numbers in high-A ball and Double-A were almost identical from number of at-bats to home runs to RBIs to batting average; it certainly shows what kind of player he is," Graham said. "He's a talented player, he's mentally a tough kid and I think that's the separator with him is his ability to make adjustments, his ability to handle pressure and just his mental toughness."
The end of the Minor League season was not the end of Hays' 2017. The 22-year-old made the leap to the Majors for his debut in September. While the results were not the same -- .217/.238/.317 in 20 games -- Graham believes they're part of the typical adjustment process and that Hays just needs to catch up to the Major League pitching.
Hays missed about a week of Spring Training with a shoulder issue but has been an everyday player since. While he will likely start the season with Triple-A Norfolk, it shouldn't be long before the outfielder returns to Camden Yards.
Loudest tool: Tanner Scott, LHP
When asked what it's like to watch Scott's fastball in person, Graham couldn't help but laugh.
"Every time Tanner Scott takes the mound, everybody sits on the edge of their seat because it's exciting to see 100 mph," he said.
Scott showcased his 80-grade fastball (on a 20-80 scale) for a 2.22 ERA and 87 strikeouts in 69 innings over 24 starts for Bowie last year, earning two appearances in the Majors. Shaking off a blister on his middle finger that sidelined him for three weeks, the left-hander held foes to a .188 average before taking his fastball to the Arizona Fall League. But as with many flamethrowers, walks have been an issue. The Howard College product issued 46 free passes last year, but Graham isn't concerned.
"It doesn't necessarily have to be a perfect strike. Command is secondary to the velocity," he said. "If he can get his fastball in the strike zone, he's developed a really good slider to go with his fastball. So he has two weapons right now. It's really fun to watch him.
"When you throw 100 mph, keeping the ball in the strike zone consistently is always going to be a chore, but he's getting better every time he pitches."
Major League-ready: Chance Sisco, C
Puns aside, Sisco has a legitimate chance at being Baltimore's backup catcher. He just needs to work on, well, his catching. The 23-year-old threw out 23 percent of would-be basestealers last season with Norfolk, in line with his career mark. But over the past three full seasons, Sisco has cut his passed balls from 16 in 2014 to four last summer.
"He continues get better," Graham said. "He's catching well, he's blocking well, he's throwing better. He's doing a good job."
Offensively, Graham likes Sisco's pitch recognition and swing. The left-hander hitter posted a .267/.340/.395 line in 97 games with the Tides and then got even better in the Majors, where he hit .333/.455/.778 over 10 games for the Orioles.
With the pressure of breaking camp lingering, Sisco's bat continues to surge as he's hitting .346 (9-for-26) with six RBIs and two walks in his first 14 spring games. But Graham said defense remains the biggest hump -- Sisco needs to show he can catch Major Leaguers and have consistent throws before he can return to The Show.
Full-season debutant: Brenan Hanifee, RHP
After being selected in the fourth round of the 2016 Draft out of a Virginia high school, Hanifee had to delay his pro debut to nurse a back injury. Following his 19th birthday last May, Hanifee went 7-3 with a 2.75 ERA, 44 strikeouts and 12 walks in 68 2/3 innings over 12 starts for Class A Short Season Aberdeen.
"Tremendous control and command -- he has a really good delivery. He's a sinker/slider guy with a good changeup," Graham said. "The hitters are going to tell you what kind of pitcher he is, and that's hopefully early-count outs, a lot of strikes down in the strike zone and a ton of ground balls. He's a guy who is going to continue to throw strikes and pitch to the level of his ability."
Graham will look for Hanifee to continue improving his changeup while throwing more breaking balls when behind in the count. The first test for the Orioles' No. 10 prospect with Class A Delmarva this season will be to throw more than 85 pitches or complete the seventh inning for the first time in pro ball.
More to keep an eye on: Ryan Mountcastle cracked the Top-100 prospect rankings this spring after a breakout 2017, but O's fans will have to wait for an encore as the club's No. 2 prospect broke his hand at camp and will miss four to six weeks. ... Pitchers and early 2017 Draft picks Zac Lowther and Michael Baumann will try to carry over their success from Aberdeen into their respective full-season debuts. ... Left-hander Keegan Akin shook off a rough first full season with Class A Advanced Frederick by going to the Arizona Fall League. There, the 22-year-old pitched mostly out of the 'pen, but he will likely return to the rotation with Double-A Bowie this season.
2018 organization predictions:
Most home runs in the system: Pedro Álvarez
Most stolen bases:Kirvin Moesquit
Most strikeouts: Alex Wells
Current prospect to get most Major League playing time: Sisco
Non-Top-100 prospect to end 2018 in the Top 100: Harvey
Kelsie Heneghan is a contributor to MiLB.com. Follow her on Twitter @Kelsie_Heneghan.
Phillies' Moore, Fausnaught join MiLB podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Red Sox prospect rips double THROUGH Fenway-esque scoreboard
Red Sox No. 4 prospect Franklin Arias, an infielder for High-A Greenville, REALLY didn’t want to let visiting Asheville score any runs in the top of the eighth inning on Friday night. With runners on first and second base in the bottom of the fourth, Arias showed he apparently held
April's hottest hitting prospects -- one for each organization
The Minor League season is a month old and several of the game's best hitting prospects are off to fast starts. Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is tearing up Triple-A (just like he did at the end of last year), Padres shortstop Leo De Vries is leading the High-A Midwest
Check out the best -- and wackiest -- Minor League promos happening in May
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Orioles' Honeycutt joins The Show Before the Show
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
MiLB podcast coming LIVE to a Somerset this June
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
New ballparks highlight 2025 MiLB road trip stops
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from the Baseball Traveler newsletter, presented by Circle K, is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
Minor League Baseball partners with TruGreen
FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- TruGreen, the nation's leading lawn care treatment provider, is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Minor League Baseball that includes activations across all 120 clubs, a makeover of the home dugout in each market, sponsorship of select MiLB team grounds crews, and a new initiative called
Podcast explains why the Syracuse Mets are looking for Jim Morrison
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Dash im-prom-tu promo and Mets' Suero joins the podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Minor League Baseball partners with Circle K
Minor League Baseball announced a new national partnership with Circle K, which will see the convenience store giant become the “Official Convenience Store of Minor League Baseball.” During the 2025 season, the Circle K brand will be integrated into the MiLB in-stadium experience through in-game video board assets at most
These 15 moments led to season No. 15 of Minor League road trips
Benjamin Hill travels the nation collecting stories about what makes Minor League Baseball unique. This excerpt from his newsletter is a mere taste of the smorgasbord of delights he offers every week. Read the full newsletter here, and subscribe to his newsletter here.
MiLB podcast crew makes Opening Day predictions
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Everything you need to know for Triple-A Opening Day
First, there was big league Opening Day. Now it's Triple-A's turn to take the spotlight. The Minor League season opens Friday when the Triple-A International League and Pacific Coast League seasons get underway for the first of MiLB’s two Opening Days. And right out of the gates, several of baseball's
Top prospects to watch at Triple-A -- one for each organization
It’s Triple-A’s turn up to bat on Friday. The regular season begins for the Minor Leagues’ highest level one day after the action starts on the Major League side. Fun fact: it’ll be the earliest start to a Minor League season since 1951 (March 27). Double-A, High-A and Single-A will
Here's where every Top 100 prospect is expected to start the season
The 2025 Opening Day prospect roster announcements began last week when the Cubs informed Matt Shaw (MLB No. 19) he was making the trip overseas to compete in the Tokyo Series. Roki Sasaki (No. 1) also received the good news, but his assignment was much less of a surprise. Now
Nationals prospect King joins MiLB podcast
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Here are the 2025 All-Spring Breakout Teams
Fifteen games, several jersey swaps and countless highlights later, the second edition of Spring Breakout has officially concluded – and it lived up to its billing. Of the 16 contests sprinkled across four days, only one game (Dodgers vs. Cubs) was rained out. Coincidentally, the Cubs were one of two
Rox young sluggers aim to bring pop back to Coors Field
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Coors Field may provide the best run-scoring environment in Major League Baseball, but the Rockies haven’t taken advantage of it in recent years. Even without adjusting for Coors, they have fielded offenses worse than the league average the past three seasons, and they scored the fewest runs
Astros brass sees potential in consistently 'underranked' farm system
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The last time the Astros landed in the top 10 of MLB Pipeline’s farm system rankings was before the 2019 season. Since those rankings expanded to all 30 teams ahead of the 2020 season -- 11 lists in total -- they’ve never ranked higher than
Complete results and highlights from Spring Breakout
The second edition of MLB Spring Breakout is complete, and there was no shortage of highlights from the future stars of Major League Baseball over the four-day showcase. Here's a complete breakdown of the 16-game exhibition:
Southpaw Spring Breakout: White Sox future on display with Schultz, Smith
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- If all goes as planned for the White Sox, left-handers Hagen Smith and Noah Schultz won’t spend much time following each other to the mound in a single game. Schultz, the No. 1 White Sox prospect and No. 16 overall, per MLB Pipeline, and Smith, who is
In first pro game, Rainer offers pop, promise to Tigers fans
NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Bryce Rainer’s pro career consisted of workouts and batting practice until Sunday.
'Me and Brady on the dirt again': House, King reunite at Spring Breakout
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The 2025 Spring Breakout was a flashback for Brady House and Seaver King. Over 10 years ago, the infielders were travel ball teammates in Georgia who shared the dream of making it to the Major Leagues. Now, they are top prospects in the same organization,
Lambert -- 'an adrenaline guy' -- hoping to be next Mets bullpen gem
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Ryan Lambert loves throwing hard. He relishes the idea of getting to two strikes and blowing hitters away. “Get me in a game,” Lambert said, “cool things will happen.”