Who will be the next big prospect to join the Orioles? | MAILBAG

Question: With Dylan Beavers and Samuel Basallo having some success this year, who do you see coming up next year? Are any of the top draft picks from last year going to move fast through the system? From: Mike Davis

Answer: Mike, I think there are a couple of prospects who could come up later next season. Enrique Bradfield Jr., who was the team’s No. 1 draft pick in 2023, has moved up to Norfolk, and I think he could be promoted to the Orioles later next season.

I’d also watch out for right-hander Michael Forret, who was promoted to Chesapeake and had a 1.88 ERA in three starts before suffering a left hamstring injury.

Trey Gibson and Levi Wells moved up to Norfolk from Chesapeake but haven’t had great success yet. With strong starts at Norfolk next year, they could move up, but I really like Forret’s chances.

As for 2024 draft choices, outfielder Nate George has done very well. He’s only 19 but moved up from Delmarva to Aberdeen a few weeks ago. George hit .291 in 21 games with the IronBirds, and while he may not be up with the Orioles next season, he has certainly been impressive.

Another reader, Bill Connor asked about George.

Question: Do you think there’s any chance that Cal Ripken Jr. is the Orioles’ manager next season? From: Allen File

Answer: Allen, I don’t think there’s any chance that Cal is interested in managing the Orioles. I think he’s enjoying his role as a partial owner and is around the ballpark more often than he has been in many years, but I can’t imagine he’d be interested at this stage of his life.

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.