5 Under-the-Radar Orioles Who Could Make an Impact in 2025

The Baltimore Orioles are a team on the rise, steadily building from their rebuild into an organization that is beginning to contend in the American League. The fruits of their labor in the form of top-tier prospects such as Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Grayson Rodriguez have begun to shine at the big-league level. However, as with any team building a competitive roster, it is crucial to discover and develop talent from unexpected sources. While the spotlight often shines brightest on top prospects and established stars, there are several under-the-radar Orioles players who could make an impact in 2025. Here’s a breakdown of five individuals who could potentially take their games to the next level and contribute to the team’s continued success.

1. Trey Mancini – The Veteran Who Still Has Much to Offer

Overview:

Trey Mancini’s name has become synonymous with the Orioles over the past few years. Despite being traded away to the Houston Astros in 2022, Mancini still holds a special place in the hearts of Baltimore fans. After a year-long battle with cancer in 2020, Mancini’s comeback story is one of the most inspiring in recent memory. However, his impact in the near future for the Orioles might be even greater than many realize.

Though Mancini is no longer with the team, he is expected to return to Baltimore as a mentor, possibly stepping into a coaching or advisory role. This would allow him to impact the roster’s development from a different perspective. Mancini brings an excellent work ethic, a veteran presence in the locker room, and a love for the city of Baltimore. Having navigated through one of the most challenging times of his life, his leadership could be invaluable for younger players.

Potential Impact:

If Mancini stays connected to the Orioles organization in 2025, he could provide crucial mentorship to younger hitters like Heston Kjerstad and Colton Cowser. Furthermore, his experience in navigating the major league grind and coming back after adversity can offer insight into the mental toughness required to thrive at the big league level.

Mancini may also contribute by working with the Orioles’ coaching staff to offer insight into what has worked for him as a right-handed hitter, particularly against tough left-handed pitchers. His experience with the Astros’ 2022 World Series-winning team could provide much-needed perspective on what it takes to win at the highest level. The 2025 season may well be the year that Mancini shifts from being a key player on the field to a key contributor off the field.

2. Jordan Westburg – The Versatile Utility Player Who Could Solidify the Infield

Overview:

Jordan Westburg is a name that is beginning to make waves within the Orioles’ farm system. As an infielder, Westburg has impressed both with his bat and his glove, offering versatility that could help solidify the team’s infield in 2025. Westburg, who was drafted by the Orioles in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft, has proven to be a reliable bat with a combination of power and discipline. His ability to play multiple positions on the infield makes him an intriguing option for the Orioles moving forward.

While his 2024 campaign saw a solid performance at Triple-A, Westburg’s future with the club seems promising as he continues to refine his skills. Westburg played across various positions during his time in the minors, including second base, shortstop, and third base, giving the Orioles a lot of flexibility when it comes to creating lineups. His versatility alone will make him an invaluable asset to the team in 2025.

Potential Impact:

What Westburg offers is a combination of upside and reliability, particularly when it comes to depth. With the potential departure of veteran players like Ramón Urías or the possibility of roster construction being impacted by trade rumors, Westburg could step into a starting role or, more likely, serve as a top-tier utility player for the Orioles.

In terms of the bat, Westburg has shown flashes of power and ability to hit for average, posting a .277 batting average with solid on-base and slugging numbers at the minor league level. While he may not necessarily be the future face of the franchise, Westburg’s 2025 impact could be in a role similar to what the Orioles had hoped for with utility players in the past. His ability to switch positions on the fly and provide solid production with the bat makes him one of the Orioles’ most promising, yet underrated, players for 2025.

3. Kyle Bradish – A Pitcher Ready to Take the Next Step

Overview:

As the Orioles continue to build a competitive pitching staff, the name Kyle Bradish might not garner as much attention as other young guns like Grayson Rodriguez. But Bradish, entering his third year with the Orioles in 2025, has quietly shown potential to be a key piece of the rotation. The right-hander, who was part of the return package from the Angels in the Dylan Bundy trade, has the kind of stuff that could make him a breakout pitcher in the near future.

Bradish’s 2024 season showed continued growth, with flashes of brilliance and an ability to generate swing-and-miss stuff. His four-pitch arsenal includes a fastball, slider, changeup, and curveball, and all of these have the potential to keep batters off balance. His command and consistency were areas of concern early in his career, but he showed steady progress in 2024, particularly in his ability to avoid big innings and limit walks.

Potential Impact:

In 2025, Bradish could be poised to break out as a legitimate mid-rotation starter. With a year or two under his belt and his stuff continuing to develop, he may prove to be one of the more reliable starters in the Orioles’ rotation. His development could help anchor a rotation that may include Grayson Rodriguez and a potential veteran addition, rounding out a solid pitching core for the team.

The key for Bradish will be consistency. If he can refine his command and pitch deep into games, he could easily emerge as a No. 3 or even a No. 2 starter. While he may not be as high-profile as some of the other young pitchers in the system, Bradish’s development in 2025 could be a major factor in the Orioles’ success moving forward.

4. Heston Kjerstad – The Power Bat with the Potential to Impact the Outfield

Overview:

Heston Kjerstad, one of the Orioles’ top prospects, may not have made a major impact on the big league roster yet, but 2025 could be the year that changes. Kjerstad, a former No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, has struggled with injuries in the early part of his career, but when healthy, he has shown that he can be a difference-maker. A left-handed power hitter with the potential to hit for both average and power, Kjerstad has the tools to become a major contributor in the Orioles’ outfield.

His performance in the minors has been a story of development, as Kjerstad has begun to find his rhythm at the plate. In 2024, he put up impressive numbers at Double-A, showcasing a well-rounded skill set. While still working on improving his plate discipline and reducing strikeouts, Kjerstad’s raw power is undeniable.

Potential Impact:

In 2025, Kjerstad could find his way onto the major league roster, possibly in a starting role in the outfield. With the Orioles having several spots to fill, Kjerstad could be one of the key pieces in the team’s long-term plans. His ability to hit for power could be a much-needed boost to the Orioles’ offense, which at times has been inconsistent.

As a left-handed hitter with power to all fields, Kjerstad could be especially useful in a corner-outfield spot, potentially even platooning against right-handed pitchers. His upside as a power hitter is the main reason why many see him as a breakout candidate in 2025.

5. Felix Bautista – The Closer of the Future Who’s Flying Under the Radar

Overview:

Felix Bautista emerged as a key piece of the Orioles’ bullpen in 2023 and 2024, quickly establishing himself as one of the most dominant relievers in the American League. His fastball, routinely hitting triple digits, combined with a devastating slider, makes him a nightmare for opposing hitters. Despite his impressive numbers, Bautista remains a bit under the radar compared to some of the more high-profile pitchers in the league.

Bautista’s ability to get strikeouts and handle pressure situations has been evident, but what sets him apart is his mentality and his growth under the Orioles’ developmental staff. With his ability to handle high-leverage situations and get big outs, Bautista is on the verge of becoming one of the best closers in all of baseball.

Potential Impact:

In 2025, Bautista could solidify himself as one of the top closers in the league. His power stuff and intimidating presence on the mound will give the Orioles a reliable arm at the back end of the bullpen. Bautista’s continued development could elevate him to elite status, and if he can refine his command and pitch more efficiently, he could be the anchor in the Orioles’ bullpen for years to come.

His impact in 2025 could be significant if he’s tasked with saving more games or potentially even closing out key playoff games. The emergence of Bautista as an elite closer would be crucial for the Orioles’ bullpen depth, providing stability in the later innings as they continue to contend.

As the Orioles look to continue their upward trajectory in 2025, these under-the-radar players could play a pivotal role in the team’s success. From the leadership of Trey Mancini to the pitching potential of Kyle Bradish, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about what these lesser-known players could bring to the table. By giving them opportunities to prove their worth, the Orioles can ensure that they have a deep, well-rounded roster capable of competing at the highest levels of Major League Baseball. Whether it’s power hitters like Kjerstad, versatile players like Westburg, or dominant arms like Bautista, the future of the Orioles in 2025 is looking bright.