Ahead of the start of spring training next week, the Orioles announced that they had invited 20 players not on their minor league roster to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota.
Some of those on the list are among the hottest prospects in minor league baseball. Shortstop Jackson Holliday is the consensus top prospect in the game, catcher Samuel Basallo, ranked 17th by MLB Pipeline, and corner infielder Coby Mayo is rated 30th.
Other top Orioles prospects to get an invitation are infielder Connor Norby and right-handed pitchers Justin Armbruester and Chayce McDermott, and left-hander Cade Povich. All four were highly rated in the most recent MLB Pipeline rankings.
McDermott was named the Orioles’ top minor league pitcher of 2023, and he’s hoping to pitch in the majors this season.
“I think that’s everyone’s goal, definitely being that close at Triple-A last year,” he said at last month’s Birdland Caravan. “I feel like I’m ready. I should be good to go. Whenever I get the call, I’ll be ready.”
Holliday, Mayo, Norby and Povich also received non-roster invites to last year’s spring training, as did right-handers Wandisson Charles and Garrett Stallings and catcher Maverick Handley.
Povich, who was obtained from the Minnesota Twins in the August 2022 trade for All-Star reliever Jorgé López, acknowledged that making his major league debut this year is on his mind.
“A lot. I was up here a couple of weeks ago, throwing something for our lab, and we got to come out there and look at the field,” Povich said at the Warehouse during the Caravan. “It was the first time I was on the actual field. It’s awesome. I’m hoping to be here soon.”
Left-handers Tucker Davidson, Ronald Guzmán, Andrew Suárez, right-hander Albert Suárez, catcher Michael Pérez and outfielder Daniel Johnson each have major league experience.
Left-hander Luis González, right-hander Nathan Webb and catchers Silas Ardoin and David Bañuelos were also invited to spring training.