Some of the unknown yet intriguing Orioles spring invitees
The Orioles have announced their spring training invite list
Written by: Nick Stevens
On Thursday afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles finally announced their spring training non-roster invite list, a sign that baseball season is just around the corner.
(Image courtesy @Orioles on X)
Top prospects Samuel Basallo, Enrique Bradfield Jr, Dylan Beavers, and Jud Fabian highlight the list. These prospects are well discussed and we will talk about them plenty on next week’s main podcast show, but let’s highlight some of the under-the-radar names on this list who could be interesting follows as spring training action begins in just a few short weeks.
LHP Raul Alcantara
Alcantara signed a minor league deal with the Orioles this offseason, after spending the last six years in the Mariners organization. He moved primarily to the bullpen last year and found success at the Double-A level, pitching to a 3.44 ERA with 65 K in 70 IP. The 24-year-old can run it up to 98 mph from the left side and he was mentioned in my 25 Orioles Prospect Predictions For The 2025 Season piece published just this week. My prediction was that he reaches the major leagues at some point in 2025. It’s bold, but not crazy.
RHP Yaramil Hiraldo
Hiraldo is 28 and hasn’t pitched in affiliated ball since 2021, spending the last few years in Indy ball and in Mexico. In 99 career minor league innings, Hiraldo owns a 1.99 ERA with 115 strikeouts in 99 innings. He’s also coming off a successful winter in the Dominican Winter League with good velo and a powerful delivery.
RHP Rodolfo Martinez
Now 30, Martinez last pitched in affiliated ball in 2019. He was a 2013 international signee for the San Francisco Giants, signing for $350,000 and was a Top 30 Giants prospect for a bit. The stuff was always there for Martinez, but finding the strike zone and consistency were always the issue. He’s topped out at 102 mph a few years ago, but even at 30 years of age, he’s still pumping 100 mph in Mexico in 2024.
RHP Robinson Martinez
Robinson is a 26-year-old who was originally signed as an international free agent by the Phillies, pitched in Indy ball, and eventually caught on with the Miami Marlins. He has been in the Marlins system for the last few years but did not pitch in 2023 or 2024 due to injuries. He’s healthy now, coming off a winter ball stint in the Dominican, and features a fastball/slider combo with a ton of energy on the mound. He can run the fastball up to 97 mph.
RHP Thaddeus Ward
A former 5th round pick out of Central Florida by the Red Sox in 2018, Ward was acquired by the Nationals in the 2022 Rule 5 draft. He pitched sparingly and not well with the Nats’ big league club in 2023 and was sent to the minors in 2024 after completing his Rule 5 active roster requirement time. The Orioles grabbed him off waivers this offseason and were able to sneak him through waivers to keep him in the organization but get him off the 40-man roster.
Ward doesn’t have a ton of velo, averaging 93 mph last year in Triple-A, but his cutter and sweeper, two of his primary offerings, have a 100 and 110 Stuff+ rating, respectively, and grade out as above-average offerings. Overall, it’s a deep arsenal and worth a look as Triple-A depth.
IF Vimael Machin
Machin was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in 29th round of the 2011 draft out of Puerto Rico, but instead went to Virginia Commonwealth University where he rose his stock and became a 10th round pick of the Chicago Cubs a few years later. He plays all over the infield and has been in pro ball for a decade now, spending last year in Mexico. He’s posted high walk rates throughout his career, including walking 56 times compared to just 37 strikeouts in Mexico last year. Machin knows how to get on base and work long at-bats. He could be quality infield depth in Triple-A this season.
OF Jordyn Adams
Adams signed a minor league deal with the Orioles this offseason and figures to be the 2025 version of Daz Cameron and Daniel Johnson- quality centerfield depth in Norfolk. He was a former first round pick of the Angels and top 100 overall prospect with speed and enough pop in the bat to remain intriguing.
Will any of these players break camp with the Orioles at the end of spring? Highly unlikely. However, when you’re watching spring games and getting into the late innings, these specific guys are intriguing enough to pay attention to.
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