With the 2012 season officially in the rear-view mirror, Baseball America released the Orioles’ 2013 top 10 prospects list on Monday with the club’s top draft pick in each of the last two years leading the way.
After making his major league debut in September, 19-year-old pitcher Dylan Bundy was named the organization’s top prospect by the publication as the right-hander is projected to be the Orioles’ ace of the future. The organization’s minor league pitcher of the year made two relief appearances, allowing one hit and walking one in 1 2/3 innings.
The No. 4 pick of the 2012 draft, right-handed pitcher Kevin Gausman was second on the list and is projected to be a top-half-of-the-rotation starter in the future. Signed just minutes before the deadline, the 21-year-old made five starts late in the season between low Single-A Aberdeen and high Single-A Frederick, going 0-1 with a 3.60 ERA in 15 innings of work.
The top positional player on the list was infielder Jonathan Schoop, who hit .245 with 14 home runs and 56 runs batted in for Double-A Bowie this season. The 20-year-old split time between second base and shortstop, moving to the latter position after current Orioles third baseman Manny Machado was promoted to the big leagues on Aug. 9.
The Orioles’ minor league position player of the year, outfielder L.J. Hoes, was ranked sixth on the list and received a September call-up as a reward for his efforts.
Of the 10 prospects on Baseball America’s list, only Bundy and Gausman are considered “safe” bets — if such an idea exists for minor-league players — but Schoop’s age and premium power as a middle infielder have made him an intriguing talent held in high regard with many members of the organization.
Here is the full list from Baseball America:
1. Dylan Bundy, RHP
2. Kevin Gausman, RHP
3. Jonathan Schoop, 2B/SS
4. Nicky Delmonico, 1B/2B
5. Eduardo Rodriguez, LHP
6. L.J. Hoes, OF
7. Xavier Avery, OF
8. Mike Wright, RHP
9. Branden Kline, RHP
10. Adrian Marin, SS
