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<\/p>\nThe Baltimore Orioles are casting an eye over the market for a right-handed hitting outfielder this offseason. Think of names like Teoscar Hernandez or Tyler O\u2019Neill\u2014both appealing targets if Anthony Santander doesn\u2019t return to the fold.<\/p>\n
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Beyond that, they\u2019re exploring the idea of adding a reserve or platoon right-handed bat to round out their outfield. Daz Cameron, who recently rejoined the organization in a deal with the Athletics, is in the mix.<\/p>\n
Cameron, a favorite from the Mike Elias era in Houston, has shown prowess against left-handed pitchers and pairs that with commendable defensive skills. These attributes could see him carving out a niche role from the bench.<\/p>\n
Yet, the Orioles seem intent on keeping their options open, even considering a potential upgrade or friendly competition during spring training through the Rule 5 draft.<\/p>\n
While raiding the Rule 5 draft for a right-handed hitting outfielder might not be the most conventional route for Baltimore, it\u2019s a door that\u2019s slightly ajar. The challenge lies in whether they might take a risk on high-upside talent with some room for growth. Two compelling prospects available in this year\u2019s Rule 5 draft could tempt the Orioles into action.<\/p>\n
First up on the radar is Minnesota Twins\u2019 young outfielder Kala\u2019i Rosario. This 22-year-old Hawaiian, once a fifth-round draft pick, remains a prospect despite not being snapped up for the Twins\u2019 40-man roster.<\/p>\n
In his 2023 High-A stint, Rosario was nothing short of spectacular, slamming 21 home runs and tallying 51 extra-base hits for a stellar .831 OPS and a wRC+ of 133. Sure, his strikeout rate lingered at 29.6%, but he balanced that with a 14% walk rate and serious power numbers.<\/p>\n
Injuries interrupted his progress in 2024, limiting him to 67 games and a .235 average at the Double-A level, but his performance in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .291 with a .383 OBP, underscored his health resurgence. Alongside his eye-catching power, Rosario sports a potent outfield arm and is ranked 19th among Twins prospects according to MLB Pipeline.<\/p>\n
Primarily facing lefties, Rosario could fit snugly into a platoon role at Baltimore. With guidance from Baltimore\u2019s hitting coaches Cody Asche, Tommy Joseph, and Sherman Johnson, he could blossom into a meaningful big-league bat.<\/p>\n
Joining the discussion is Chicago Cubs\u2019 Christian Franklin, another Rule 5 candidate. The 25-year-old Franklin, drafted in the fourth round out of Arkansas, shares a collegiate past with current Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad.<\/p>\n
After a knee injury sidelined him in 2022, Franklin resumed his growth spurt across multiple minor league levels, landing 98 games in Double-A action in 2024. He recorded a .268 average with a standout .398 OBP, five homers, and a wRC+ of 135, demonstrating a keen eye with a 20% strikeout and a 16.6% walk rate.<\/p>\n
His speed, highlighted by 34 stolen bases, adds another dimension to his profile. Though Franklin\u2019s throwing arm and in-game power don\u2019t quite match Rosario\u2019s, his 90th percentile exit velocity and elite swing decisions, per Baseball America, make him an appealing prospect.<\/p>\n
Baltimore has a knack for fine-tuning players with Franklin\u2019s skill set, turning potential into production. With their adept hitting development program, the Orioles could potentially unlock Franklin\u2019s untapped power.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, while the Orioles might abstain from participating in the major league phase of the Rule 5 draft, the option to bet on a fresh bench or platoon asset remains on the table. Whether it\u2019s Rosario\u2019s raw power and arm or Franklin\u2019s contact skill and speed, the Orioles could find a jewel waiting to be polished in this draft. Whether Baltimore makes a move or chooses to stand pat, the possibilities present this offseason are intriguing for the organization looking to bolster its lineup.<\/p>\n
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The Baltimore Orioles are casting an eye over the market for a right-handed hitting outfielder this offseason. Think of names like Teoscar Hernandez or Tyler O\u2019Neill\u2014both appealing… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":14737,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14736","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n