Traditionally, the month of September is a time for non-competitive teams to evaluate their young players. Rosters expand—although not like they used to—and talented prospects get a coveted cup of coffee in the majors.
Unfortunately, the 2025 Orioles are a non-competitive team. They’re not lacking in talented prospects either. Both Dylan Beavers and Samuel Basallo will carry prospect status into next season, and they both will be eligible to net the O’s another draft pick with their play.
While the
club is obviously interested in the development of the duo, Baltimore has already decided that it will depend on Basallo and Beavers next year. The Orioles made half of that decision abundantly clear when they inked Basallo to an eight-year extension last week.
Basallo quickly displayed a major-league ready approach at the plate, and the Orioles will allow the 21-year-old time to work through offensive and defensive growing pains as they come. At a minimum, Baltimore made it crystal clear that Basallo will hold a place in its lineup next year and beyond.
The Birds held Beavers back to preserve his PPI status. The Orioles received some criticism for that decision, but the move did more than provide fodder to Mike Elias critics. The front office recognized the potential benefits of an earlier promotion for Beavers and still held out for the PPI incentive. The organization must feel that Beavers holds a better chance of competing for Rookie of the Year as opposed to not hacking it in the majors.
Enrique Bradfield Jr. originally projected as a September call-up candidate before the season started, but injuries kept the former first-round pick in Double-A. Baltimore’s top pitching prospects remain a full season away, while recent graduates like Coby Mayo and even Jackson Holliday continue to develop at the big league level.
Mayo perfectly fits this narrative. The 23-year-old no longer holds his prospect status, but one quick look displays both potential and the need for growth. After briefly appearing like he may have turned a corner, Mayo slashed .147/.237/.265 over his first 20 games in August. The pieces are there, but the puzzle is far from complete. Mayo should spend September attempting to pick balls at first base and making contact at the dish.
The same logic applies to Cade Povich and a now injured Brandon Young. Trey Gibson and Michael Forret aren’t walking through that door in September. If the Orioles hope to find internal options for 2026, they need to see what they have in a pair of talented arms that have yet to consistently perform for six innings.
To take things a step further, the Birds need to see what they have in players making their way back from injuries. Kyle Bradish made his season debut last night, and Tyler Wells will follow soon. Both players will receive a grace period after a significant layoff, but only the Orioles will know if they still view the talented hurlers in the same light.
The same, for better or worse, can be said about Jorge Mateo. The utility man with the speed of a cheetah must have nine lives when it comes to roster cuts. The Orioles included a 2026 team option in a deal to avoid arbitration with Mateo last offseason. Is it worth picking up?
Speaking of utility men, what about Jeremiah Jackson? Will the “adopted member of the Orioles young core” keep hitting? Is it reasonable to expect offensive production from the 25-year-old, and will he ever look comfortable in right field? September feels like a good time to find out.
There are plenty of questions that need answered in September. Is Colton Cowser a legitimate center fielder on a playoff team? Is Ryan Mountcastle worth the logjam at first with guys like Mayo and Basallo on the roster? Are any of these relievers worthy of trust next season?
With respect to converted reliever Chayce McDermott, the Orioles will not carry the usual prospect buzz into the month of September. The Orioles do not need to create room for the young guys in September. They are already here. Now, Baltimore must determine which players can be counted on in 2026 and beyond.
