Baltimore waved the white flag on the current generation of guys and traded C Adley Rutschman to their division rival in Boston. The Orioles got a package that looks good on paper but might wind up a little thin given the defensive value of Rutschman and the volatility of pitching prospects. I like RHP Anthony Eyanson as much as the next guy, but if I’m trading the best defensive catcher in baseball who can also hit, I want young hitters in return. More specifically, I want young hitters with speed who can play defense. OF Enndy Azocar fits that bill, and RHP Kyson Witherspoon was the 15th overall pick just last year, but I still think I’d have held Rutschman if I were the POBO. Or gotten two hitters and an arm. Or three hitters and a reliever.
Please, blog, may I have some more?
Michael Forret
Prospect News: Unboxing Holiday Trades or Forret Through The Trees
December 21, 2025 | Fantasy Baseball Prospects, Featured | 18 Commentsby: The Itch
It’s Christmas week, and the yule stove is warm, so let’s gather around the fire of teams making transactions and poke at the coals.
When Baltimore made the Grayson Rodriguez for Taylor Ward swap, we anticipated another move to clear the outfield logjam. That’s not exactly what happened next, but they did clear out a bunch of pieces and add a pitcher in sending several prospects to Tampa in exchange for Shane Baz. One thing makes this trade unique is that it’s basically three first-round picks and two prospects for Baz. I don’t think I’ve seen a trade in this shape. OF Slater de Brun and C Caden Bodine were first-rounders this year, and they added in the 33rd overall selection in next year’s draft along with RHP Michael Forret and OF Austin Overn. Bodine has played 11 games in Low-A, and de Brun hasn’t played yet in the pros.
Please, blog, may I have some more? Baltimore Orioles Top 10 Prospects For 2026 Fantasy Baseball
November 12, 2025 | Fantasy Baseball Prospects, Featured | 9 Commentsby: The Itch
1. C Samuel Basallo | 21 | MLB | 2025
Click here to read Grey’s 2026 Fantasy Outlook for Basallo.
In the article, Grey is frustrated by Baltimore’s service-time machinations. Those same concerns caused me to dread writing this list for a few days. I’m not sure why. I used to have little trouble cruising through even the organizations I didn’t love following, but I start feeling like a liar at some point when I’m telling you about a Rockies or Orioles prospect like he’s going to matter someday soon. Then again, they do sneak through sometimes, and Basallo could give you a Hunter Goodman sized boost in the power categories if Baltimore lets him learn on the job. He’s not going to catch everyday with Adley in town, but who knows how much longer Adley will be in town? His production and health are both in downward spirals, and Basallo slugged .589 with 23 home runs in just 76 Triple-A games in 2025. Dang. Managed 27 bombs in 107 games on the year if you combine his minor league dominance with his 31-game big league sample. He’s the rare case where I’ll look past the org setting and cross my fingers he’ll get enough playing time to impact redraft leagues.
Please, blog, may I have some more?