Orioles Prospect Report - September 2025

[Orioles]

From the September 2 BA MLB Prospect Wire:


Reds’ Sal Stewart Makes Debut, Records First Career Hit

Every player dreams of reaching the majors, but earning your first career hit elevates that moment to something truly special. Reds infielder Sal Stewart wasted little time making an impression, lining a clean single off Chris Bassitt in his first big-league at-bat on Monday. Stewart went 1-for-3 in his debut, which the Reds won on a two-run walk-off single by Noelvi Marte.

At just 21 years old, Stewart already stands out for his mature approach at the plate, combining advanced pitch recognition with impressive strike-zone discipline rarely seen at his age. While he started at first base in his debut (and was replaced in the eighth inning defensively), he saw the majority of his minor league reps at third, giving the Reds flexibility as they shape the infield around their emerging young core. In the short term, the Reds hope Stewart can inject some energy into their push for the season, as they entered Tuesday four games back of the final NL wild card spot.


From the September 2 BA MLB Prospect Hot Sheet:


11. Joey Oakie, RHP, Guardians

Team: Low-A Lynchburg (Carolina)
Age: 19
Why He’s Here: 1-0, 0.00, 1 GS, 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 11 SO

The Scoop: There’s little to complain about with Oakie’s stuff. He’s touched 100 mph this year and sits 95—and his 86-89 mph slider may be better than his fastball. Control troubles have led to some ugly outings, but he’s shown flashes of brilliance, too. This past week, he put it all together for five innings. Oakie’s slider was evil on Thursday. He struck out the first three batters he faced and the final three in what was his best outing as a pro. (JJ)

[Orioles]

From the Athletic's September 3 article Jim Bowden’s top 50 MLB prospects:

5. Leo De Vries, SS, Athletics (Double A)
18. Sal Stewart, INF, Cincinnati Reds (MLB — Sept. callup)
34. Alfredo Duno, C, Cincinnati Reds (Low A)
41. Robby Snelling, LHP, Miami Marlins (Triple A)
50. Cam Caminiti, LHP, Atlanta Braves (Low A)

[Orioles]

From the Athletic September 4th article Scouting notebook: Joey Oakie is a rising star for Cleveland, plus more prospect notes, by Keith Law:


Right-hander Joey Oakie was the Cleveland Guardians’ third-round pick in 2024 out of Ankeny Centennial High School in Iowa. An Iowa commit, he signed for an over-slot bonus of $2 million to go pro. He started this year in the Arizona Complex League, with a couple of rough outings when their season began in early May, but he’s improved significantly as the season has gone on, especially since an August promotion to Low-A Lynchburg. His outing on Wednesday night at Delmarva was his second straight with 11 strikeouts, giving him a composite line over two starts of 9 2/3 innings, 22 strikeouts, five walks and just one hit allowed.

I was at that start and Oakie topped out at 99, which a team source told me he’s been hitting for several starts now. He worked at 94-98 throughout his outing, going almost exclusively fastball/slider with just a pair of changeups. The fastball is a four-seamer with life through the zone, while the slider was 84-88 and flashed plus when he finished it out front. He’s confident in the breaking ball, throwing it in or out of the zone, backdooring it to lefties, going down and away or just away as a chase pitch to righties.

Oakie started out the game using close to a three-quarters arm slot, but in the fourth inning his arm started to drift downward and by the fifth, he was clearly lower, getting more on the side of the slider and losing a little command. There’s always some effort in throwing this hard, but he doesn’t show it much in the delivery, even with a long path for his arm from separation to release.

He has 45 (on the 20-80 traditional scouting scale) control or so, as he’s getting away with some stuff because hitters can’t hit either of his two pitches — quite literally, as he gave up his first hit to the second-to-last batter he faced in this outing. About the only bad thing I could say about Oakie is that one inning he forgot how many outs there were and tried to walk off the field after out No. 2. He’s electric and it’s a starter look already, assuming he builds up some stamina with age and experience.

[Orioles]

From the September 8th BA MLB Prospects Hot Sheet:


5. Robby Snelling, LHP, Marlins

Team: Triple-A Jacksonville (International)
Age: 21
Why He’s Here: 1-0, 1.29, 7 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 13 SO, 0 HR

The Scoop: After winning BA’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year Award in 2023, Snelling’s follow-up season was a bit lackluster. He went 4-10, 5.15 and allowed 130 hits—including 17 home runs—in 115.1 innings. He was also traded from the Padres to the Marlins in the deal that brought Tanner Scott and Bryan Hoeing to San Diego. This year, however, Snelling has rebounded in a big way. His effort this past week was a career-high and his third outing of the season with double-digit strikeouts. His 152 Ks are tied for ninth in the minor leagues. (JN)

15. Cam Caminiti, LHP, Braves

Team: Low-A Augusta (Carolina)
Age: 19
Why He’s Here: 1-0, 0.00, 1 GS, 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 SO

The Scoop: Caminiti started his 2025 season by posting a 7.24 ERA in his first four starts in the Florida Complex League. He ended his season by allowing one or no runs in 10 of his final 13 starts. While Caminiti’s slider is a true weapon, on Thursday it was his ability to spot his fastball to all four quadrants of the zone that baffled Kannapolis. (JJ)

20. Joey Oakie, RHP, Guardians

Team: Low-A Lynchburg (Carolina)
Age: 19
Why He’s Here: 1-0, 0.00, 1 GS, 4.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 11 SO

The Scoop: Oakie delivered his second 11-strikeout outing of the season, showcasing the potential that’s been evident throughout his debut campaign. Having completed his first professional season, his distinctive arm slot and advanced fastball-slider combination continue to suggest a bright future despite a 5.31 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 59.1 innings. With ongoing refinement and improved command, Oakie projects as a dynamic, high-upside power arm. (JC)

[Orioles]

From the September 10 BA MLB Prospects Wire:


Sal Stewart Slugs Second MLB Homer

Sal Stewart only has 20 plate appearances since his callup on Sept. 1, but he showed his impact potential on Tuesday night. The 21-year-old jumped on the first pitch he saw from Padres starter Michael King for a 419-foot home run to straightaway center field. The ball left his bat at a blistering 106.7 mph, a no-doubt home run that underscored both his quick bat speed and natural strength. Stewart now has two homers through seven games. Though the sample size remains small, Stewart is proving that when he gets his pitch, he can do real damage.


Leo De Vries Clobbers Homer in Double-A Playoffs

Leo De Vries has had a long season, but the 18-year-old shortstop looks rejuvenated for Double-A Midland in the Texas League playoffs. In Game 1 of the South Division Series, De Vries blasted his second home run of the season at the Double-A level—a clutch shot that sparked comeback and helped the RockHounds secure a crucial victory. His timely power and steady presence continue to be key factors for Midland’s postseason push. De Vries now has 10 hits in his last 23 at-bats, including four extra-base hits, after he hit just .223/.319/.394 in August and going 7-for-42 in his first 11 games in Double-A.

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From BA's September 22 article Caleb Bonemer: White Sox 2025 Minor League Player Of The Year:


Cold-weather Michigan punches below its weight for producing baseball talent, and 19-year-old shortstop Caleb Bonemer would agree.

Unconvinced the lower velocity he faced in games was preparing him for the next level, Bonemer spent spare moments taking machine reps against pro-level velocity, even if it had him out in front for spurts of the season.

That level of preparation helped key an outstanding pro debut for Bonemer. He hit .281/.400/.458 in 96 games for Low-A Kannapolis to lead the Carolina League with an .859 OPS. He advanced to High-A Winston-Salem for 11 games and between the levels totaled 12 home runs and 29 stolen bases.

“He’s 19, but he feels like a guy who went to college,” White Sox director of hitting Ryan Fuller said of Chicago’s 2024 second-rounder. “He’s physical, really strong and simple out there. That’s what I love about him. It’s really good at-bats. He knows the strike zone. When he hits, there’s a lot of authority behind it.”

Filled out and physical, Bonemer moved to third base at Winston-Salem for newly-drafted Kyle Lodise. But improved reviews for his bat from scouts across the league suggest that Bonemer will survive an anticipated move off shortstop.

“A lot of people say they don’t see my hands moving at all, and well, I feel like I’m moving them,” Bonemer said. “I try to take my back pocket and turn it toward the pitcher, continuing to load that up, and when it’s time to go, I just release and unload it.

“With my hands, I set them with a slight hand pump—nothing too crazy—and make sure I get into those spots.”

Bonemer had a vulnerability to changeups that will be tested at higher levels, but his adjustments saw him post a slightly above-average contact rate, while his swing decisions improved. Outside of a missed series in August for a hip issue, Bonemer stayed healthy in his debut and is getting more recognition, but he is unsatisfied.

“I (texted him), ‘Congrats on getting named to the Top 100 (Prospects),’ ” said White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery, who trains with Bonemer in the offseason. “He’s like, ‘Yeah, No. 100 or something.’ I was like, ‘Dude, gotta start somewhere.’ ”


From BA's September 22 article Henry Bolte: Athletics 2025 Minor League Player Of The Year:


Henry Bolte grew up in Northern California rooting for the Athletics, so it was meaningful to the Palo Alto High product when his hometown team drafted him in the second round in 2022.

Bolte’s athletic ability and raw power made him stand out, complementing his speed and defensive ability in center field.

“He gets a little streaky, but when you draft guys like that, you’re betting on the ceiling,” A’s farm director Ed Sprague said last offseason. “You’re never sure where the floor is going to land, and the ceiling is as high as it gets in terms of his athleticism and all his tools that he comes with.”

Bolte has steadily advanced through the ranks and reached Triple-A Las Vegas in late July. In 114 games this season counting 80 with Double-A Midland, he batted .284/.385/.427 with nine home runs and 44 stolen bases.

Bolte entered the 2025 season with the development goal of sharpening the minutiae of a better hitting position that offered more adjustability and the ability to make more contact.

He got off to a strong start at Triple-A, posting a .838 OPS in 34 games, before having wrist surgery to end his season.

A’s minor league hitting coordinator Jim Eppard complimented Bolte and how the 22-year-old approached this season.

“He’s a high school kid who was playing high school baseball three years ago. So for him to already have hit Double-A and now on his way to Triple-A and playing there, I think we have a great player in the making,” Eppard said in an interview with “A’s Cast” in July.

Bolte looked strong in his at-bats and batting practice sessions this season. While his power output dipped year-over-year, his batting consistency improved. He hit .284 and maintained a strong walk rate of nearly 12% while reducing his strikeout rate by nearly five percentage points.


From BA's September 22 article Robby Snelling: Marlins 2025 Minor League Player Of The Year:


The Marlins acquired lefthander Robby Snelling in July 2024 as the key prospect in the trade that sent Tanner Scott to the Padres.

The following season, the Marlins hired Rob Marcello—who had worked with Snelling in the Padres organization—as pitching coach at Triple-A Jacksonville.

When the Marlins promoted Snelling to Jacksonville in July, the 21-year-old teamed up again with Marcello—and proceeded to go on his best run as a pro.

“I’m known to push people,” Marcello said. “Nothing is good enough, and (Snelling) has taken it by storm.”

The Padres drafted Snelling in the supplemental first round in 2022, going well over slot to sign him for $3 million. He shined in his pro debut season of 2023, winning BA Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors.

Snelling scuffled through much of 2024 but found his footing in the Marlins organization late in the season. This year has been a different story.

Snelling struck out 166 batters, one of the highest totals in the minor leagues, while pitching to a 2.51 ERA across 136 innings. He walked 39 and allowed 10 home runs, while making 14 starts for Double-A Pensacola and 11 more for Jacksonville.

From the day Snelling made his first start for Jacksonville on July 10, he had the top ERA (1.27) and most strikeouts (81) at Triple-A.

Snelling’s arsenal includes a four-seam fastball that averages 94.7 mph and tops out at 98 with extreme movement. His go-to secondary pitch is his curveball, which has shown improved power and spin since he arrived in Triple-A and has been up to 2,650 rpm.

Snelling also has amplified use of his changeup to combat righthanded batters.

“He lost the vertical movement on his fastball last year,” Marcello said. “But he came back with that changeup and the return of his fastball (which had lost an average of 2 mph).

“I think he can be a No. 2 (in a rotation) or even a No. 1.”


From BA's September 22 article Alex Clemmey: Nationals 2025 Minor League Player Of The Year:


As a 20-year-old pitching in Double-A, lefthander Alex Clemmey quickly ran into adversity by getting hit hard in his first three starts for Harrisburg.

“He had to change his plan of attack,” Double-A Harrisburg pitching coach Rigo Beltran said. “He couldn’t pitch to the middle of the plate like he had when he dominated in A ball.”

Clemmey went through a series of drills and made small tweaks to his delivery. He focused on using his 92-96 mph fastball, sinker, slider and changeup at the right times and less hittable areas.

The results showed in his final three starts for Harrisburg when he had a 2.04 ERA, .177 opponent average and 0.91 WHIP.

That strong finish gave Clemmey an overall 3.47 ERA with 136 strikeouts and 73 walks in 116.2 innings between High-A Wilmington and Double-A.

The 6-foot-6 Clemmey stands out for both his raw stuff and the resiliency he showed as one of the youngest pitchers in the Eastern League.

“You have to wait at least a couple of games before you can get aggressive with adjustments,” said Beltran, a lefthander who pitched for four major league teams over five seasons. “I felt like he was in a good spot during spring training, but he had gotten away from that.

“Now, he’s in a spot where he’s able to make in-game adjustments.”

Clemmey was a second-round pick of the Guardians in 2023 out of Bishop Hendricken High in Warwick, R.I. He came to the Nationals in the 2024 trade that sent outfielder Lane Thomas to Cleveland.

Beltran said Clemmey’s fastball and sinker were his most Double-A-ready pitches when he joined the Senators. Clemmey’s slider is also a plus pitch—or at least the good version of it is.

“His slider is his best pitch, but it’s also his worst pitch,” Beltran said. “It’s just that when he flies open and throws it in the wrong spots, it can really get hit. That’s one of the things he’s working hard at improving.”


From BA's September 22 article Sal Stewart: Reds 2025 Minor League Player Of The Year:


A wrist injury suffered during the 2024 all-star break required surgery and cost Sal Stewart the second half of the season at High-A Daytona.

The Reds moved Stewart up to Double-A Chattanooga to begin this season, and the 21-year-old third baseman responded with his best pro season.

Stewart hit .308 through his first 56 games but had just three home runs. Then, everything began to come together in mid June, and he hit .310 with 17 homers in his final 62 games for Chattanooga and then Triple-A Louisville.

“Early on, I was kind of chasing, then I just had to hone in my zone,” Stewart said. “Once I did that, they had to come to me, and from there the power took off.”

Through the first two months of the season, Stewart made plenty of contact, but he wasn’t drawing many walks. As that started to change in June, his power began to show. He carried that into the all-star break, when he represented the Reds at the Futures Game.

Following the Futures Game, the Reds promoted him to Triple-A, where he just kept hitting.

“He’s a student of the game,” Reds senior director of player development Jeremy Farrell said. “As he’s continued to grow and develop, he‘s met the challenges in the minor leagues and you can see that in the numbers.”

Stewart hit .309/.383/.524 with 20 homers and 17 stolen bases in 118 games at two minor league levels. The Reds called him up on Sept. 1 when rosters expanded from 26 players to 28.

He reached the majors three years after the Reds drafted him 32nd overall in 2022 with the first-round compensatory pick they added when Nick Castellanos signed with the Phillies as a free agent.

“It was the quality of at-bats that he continued to take in Double-A and Triple-A that put him on the radar for the big leagues,” Farrell said.

[Orioles]

From BA's September 21 MLB Prospect Wire:


A’s Leo De Vries Homers Twice To Pace Midland

Shortstop Leo De Vries is doing everything he can to bring a title to Midland. After going 5-for-8 with a home run in Midland’s first-round playoff win over Amarillo, De Vries was even better on Sunday. In the championship series opener, De Vries homered twice in Midland’s 6-3 win over Springfield. De Vries started the scoring with a solo homer in the first inning. Springfield rallied for three runs in the first two innings. Midland cut the lead to 3-2 with a run in the sixth, but De Vries gave Midland back the lead with a seventh-inning home run. De Vries is hitting .583/.643/1.333 in the postseason. He also hit .383/.420/.851 during September in the regular season.


Guardians’ Daniel Espino Returns To The Mound

Normally a pitcher allowing three runs while recording two outs in a start would be cause for distress, but in the case of Guardians’ righthander Daniel Espino, it’s somewhat of a cause for celebration.

While Espino’s results were ugly, it was the first time since April 29, 2022 thar he had pitched in an official game. At the time that he was shut down in 2022 with a shoulder injury, Espino was one of the best pitching prospects in baseball. His second to last start in 2022 saw him strike out 14 of 18 Bowie batters he faced in five innings.

But injuries have sidelined him the rest of 2022, all of 2023 and 2024 and now all of but the final two games of 2025. In his return, Espino continued to show top-tier stuff. He sat at 97 mph with his fastball and touched 98.9. He got his one strikeout with a whiff on a 87.5 mph cutter.

Espino actually showed a bit less rust than may have been expected. He threw 15 of his 21 pitches for strikes. MJ Melendez grounded a 1-2 fastball right to where a second baseman normally plays, but with Columbus in a significant shift, it was a single.

On a 1-1 pitch, Nick Loftin then lined a single between first and second base to drive in Melendez (who had stolen second). Espino then struck out Harold Castro and got Bobby Dalbec to pop out, so he was one out away from a one-run inning.

On a 3-2 pitch, Dairon Blanco lined a fastball to Columbus’ third baseman Christian Cairo. Cairo knocked it down, but couldn’t make a play. It was ruled a single, scoring Loftin. Espino was then pulled from the game.

While he was charged with three hits and two runs in just .2 innings, all three hits that Espino gave up were singles that either found holes in the infield or never left the infield. For a pitcher who has had to work for three years just to get back on the mound, it’s a useful way to set up his Arizona Fall League stint.