5 Baltimore Orioles prospects the Chicago White Sox should target in any potential deal
The White Sox and Orioles could help each other out.
The Chicago White Sox are going to be sellers. With the trade deadline just a couple of weeks away, it's just a matter of time before notable names start getting shown the door.
Among the top trade candidates on the roster are outfielder Luis Robert Jr., and pitchers Erick Fedde and Garrett Crochet. Robert and Crochet should command a massive haul, while Fedde could bring in a nice haul as well as he is in the midst of a great season. One team has often come up as a suitor for the White Sox pitchers, and that is the Baltimore Orioles.
The Orioles are currently battling for first place in the AL East, they have one of the best farm systems in baseball, and their pitching staff could use some reinforcements. Over the last seven days, the Orioles are 24th in MLB in team ERA. Injuries to Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells have only amplified Baltimore's need for healthy arms.
Today, let's identify the five prospects in the Orioles' system who should interes the White Sox.
Samuel Basallo, C/1B
Other than Jackson Holliday, Samuel Basallo is the prized prospect of the Orioles. The 19-year-old has plus power and is slashing .274/.338/.449 in AA. Basallo has experience behind the dish and at first base but may be primed to move to 1B full-time if he stays in Baltimore due to the presence of Adley Rutschman.
The Orioles would be unlikely to move Basallo. The young prospect is already dominating AA pitching as a teenager, and is adding positional flexibility by working at 1B. However, the Orioles are entering into a title window and may want to maximize their chances by adding a pitcher like Crochet. If the O's want to move the needle, adding a prospect like Basallo to the package may help them edge out other interested teams.
Dumping a young pitcher with elite stuff like Crochet will be a tough pill to swallow. However, it would be much easier to handle if a player like Basallo headed to the south side.
Enrique Bradfield Jr., OF
Enrique Bradfield Jr. is currently listed as the No. 4 prospect in the Orioles' system. Bradfield is a burner who has earned comparisons to Kenny Lofton due to his blazing speed and solid contact.
Bradfield will never be a power threat, but he profiles as a solid leadoff batter and possible Gold Glover in center field. If the White Sox indeed trade Robert, a player like Bradfield would be nice to have in the pipeline. Like Basallo, the O's would likely try to keep Bradfield out of discussions. However, the Sox need dynamic playmakers for the future, and Bradfield fits the bill.
It seems unlikely the O's would part with Bradfield in a trade for Fedde, but the young playmaker should be in play in a hypothetical Crochet trade.
Dylan Beavers, OF
Dylan Beavers is one of the more intriguing prospects the Sox could target, particularly if Robert is traded. Beavers drew comparisons to Christian Yelich in college due to his prowess in all aspects as a center fielder. Beavers is currently in AA and slashing .237/.330/.399.
Beavers has plus power and speed and has a good enough arm to stick in CF. The young OF is currently listed as the O's No. 6 prospect, but the loaded O's may see the youngster as expendable in a trade for pitching. Fedde or Crochet could perhaps persuade the O's to depart with Beavers.
If the Sox can add a player like Beavers, it would do wonders for the future of the team. Multi-faceted offensive pieces are lacking in the organization, so Beavers would be a welcome addition.
Seth Johnson, RHP
The Orioles are loaded with offensive talent, but they have a fair share of pitching as well. Seth Johnson is an intriguing prospect who was drafted in the 1st round back in 2019. The righty mostly relies on a plus fastball and a good slider, so he may be suited for a bullpen role eventually.
Johnson is currently in AA and should be ready for his MLB debut in 2025. The righty has a 2.84 ERA and a 1.421 WHIP, so a move up to AAA may be coming soon. If the Sox are giving up pitching, why not get a pitching prospect with upside in return?
The concern with Johnson is his medical history. Johnson had Tommy John surgery in 2022 and a small sample size in 2024 may worry the Sox. Johnson is already on the O's 40-man roster, so he could immediately contribute in the Sox pen.
Trace Bright, RHP
Trace Bright is another promising righty who may soon be ready for his debut. The former Auburn Tiger has impressed in AA and has a deadly curveball-fastball combination. Over 73.2 innings with AA Bowie, Bright has a 4.15 ERA and a 1.493 WHIP.
Bright has had issues with control in the past, but the issue seems to be under control in 2024. The right is averaging 10.6 K/9 compared to just 3.8 BB/9. Bright's large frame and electric stuff could play well as a back-of-the-rotation starter, as long as the walks are controlled.
Again, if the Sox are going to give away pitchers, may as well get one back. Bright would likely head to AAA Charlotte if the Sox traded for him, and could be a bullpen option even later this season.
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