Orioles' Star Prospect Ignoring Trade Rumors Ahead of Season

As the offseason continues on and the Baltimore Orioles still haven't landed the elite starting pitcher they were reportedly looking for this offseason, it seems like they are ready to move on to Spring Training and see how their prospects perform.

This period should be an interesting time for the front office and manager Brandon Hyde as they decide who can make the leap to their Major League roster and who will get the majority of work in the minors.

With an already loaded position group, it's likely that many of their elite prospects don't get called-up and stay waiting in Triple-A.

That's why there was so much rampant trade speculation happening this winter as the surplus of talent could have landed the Orioles one of the ace pitchers who were available.

One player who continued to have his name thrown around was infielder Joey Ortiz.

In 2023, MLB Pipeline had him rated as Baltimore's sixth-best prospect and 50th overall. Ortiz dropped in their updated 2024 rankings to No. 63.

However, he's still viewed favorably and is considered their best fielding shortstop, adding that designation to his .321/.378/.507 slash line, with nine home runs and 58 RBI, across 88 games at Triple-A last year.

He was able to appear in 15 games for the Orioles, posting a slash line of .212/.206/.242 no homers and four RBI, before being sent back down the minors.

The 25-year-old could be viewed by many teams as their shortstop of the future if Baltimore was willing to part ways with him.

But, even with all the trade noise taking place, Ortiz is blocking it out.

"I try not to listen to it too much. I just go about my business, do what I have to do, and kind of let things just handle themselves. If another team wants you, it’s always flattering, but I’m with the Orioles right now, so I’ve got to plan on being here," the talented prospect said.

At this point in time, it doesn't seem like Baltimore will move any of their prospects.

Mike Elias has shown he's comfortable stockpiling these players and it looks like that will be the case in 2024 as well.