Mar 7, 2026; North Port, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Luis de Leon (81) throws a pitch against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning during spring Training at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Question: Which Oriole without big league experience has impressed the most in spring training this year? From: Mark Galla
Answer: Mark, there have been three players without big league experience who’ve impressed me the most this spring, and they’re all pitchers.
One is Luis De Léon, whom I saw last year, too. The 22-year-old De Léon probably will begin the season at Double-A Chesapeake and he’s a left-handed starter with enormous potential.
De Léon might still be a year away from the major leagues, and there are several other starters who’ll begin the year at Triple-A. I think he has the most potential of any of those.
I also like the two relievers, Cameron Foster and Anthony Nunez, whom the Orioles received in separate trades from the New York Mets last July. Both had good stuff, and because they have three options are likely to be seen in Baltimore during the season.
Question: Can you tell me how Jeremiah Jackson fits into the Orioles’ plans? He seems to be quite talented, and he is also fast. From: Al Spoler
Answer: Al, Jackson showed off a good bat, especially in his first month last season. However, his place on the Orioles’ Opening Day roster isn’t assured. He can play right field, third base and has played some second base during Grapefruit League games, though defense isn’t his strong suit.
Like a lot of the 2025 Orioles, Jackson struck out often last season, 50 times in 170 at-bats, and that’s not a positive. He also walked just 11 times, He didn’t steal a base and was thrown out twice. In the minors, he had one season, 2023, when he stole 27 bases, so he has some speed.
Jackson is a useful player if he hits well, and he’s also useful because he has three options remaining and the Orioles don’t have many position players they’re likely to option.
Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.
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