The Baltimore Orioles arguably possess the finest and most extensive pool of young, skilled position players in baseball.
Although their farm system also boasts strong young pitchers, its true strength lies in its remarkable ability to identify, scout, draft, sign, and develop hitters. In the past few years alone, rising stars like Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Colton Cowser, Jordan Westburg, Jackson Holliday, and Heston Kjerstad have all made their MLB debuts.
Now, it’s Connor Norby’s turn.
“News: The Baltimore Orioles are calling up infielder Connor Norby, sources tell ESPN. Norby, 23, is yet another young, talented infielder in Baltimore’s system and is hitting .286/.374/.510 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs at AAA. He’s in Toronto for Baltimore’s series there,” MLB insider Jeff Passan tweeted.
News: The Baltimore Orioles are calling up infielder Connor Norby, sources tell ESPN. Norby, 23, is yet another young, talented infielder in Baltimore’s system and is hitting .286/.374/.510 with nine home runs and 36 RBIs at AAA. He’s in Toronto for Baltimore’s series there.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 3, 2024
Norby is the latest position player prospect to be promoted by the Orioles.
While he may not be as highly touted as Rutschman or Holliday, Norby is an impressive prospect in his own right.
Drafted in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft, Norby is a versatile player capable of defending second base and both corner outfield positions. He has been productive at the plate this season in Triple-A, posting a .286/.374/.510 line with nine home runs and seven stolen bases.
Though he has a high strikeout rate (30.7 percent in 238 plate appearances at Triple-A Norfolk), he combines power, speed, versatility, and plate discipline.
It’s uncertain if he is up just for the Toronto series or if he will have a chance to stay longer, but he’s a player to watch.
He has the potential to secure a starting role.
