Baltimore Orioles’ Jordan Westburg: The Unsung Hero Stakes His Claim as a Major League Contributor

In a world where baseball rosters are flooded with highly-touted prospects and top-tier talent, a player’s journey to the major leagues can often be overshadowed. The path to MLB success is riddled with high expectations, pressure, and competition, especially when the team you play for is loaded with elite prospects that dominate the headlines. For Jordan Westburg, the journey to proving himself as a major league contributor has been one of persistence, adaptability, and most importantly, resilience. Even though he has had to operate under the shadows of stars like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson—two of the brightest young talents in the game—Westburg has made a compelling case for himself as a key player for the Baltimore Orioles.

Westburg, the 30th overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, was selected by the Orioles out of Mississippi State University, where he played shortstop. A highly regarded bat and solid glove earned him the recognition as one of the organization’s top prospects. Yet, what followed his selection and ascent through the minors was not as simple as an easy path to the big leagues. Despite possessing an impressive resume and showing promise at each level of the minor leagues, Westburg has had to earn his place, not by standing out in the way that the organization’s top names have, but through sheer persistence and continuous development.

This article takes a deep dive into Jordan Westburg’s rise, focusing on how he has carved out a significant role with the Orioles, defying the expectations that come with being overshadowed by high-profile prospects.

Early Life and Development: A Foundation of Consistency

Jordan Westburg’s story begins long before his days as a top prospect. Born in Magnolia, Mississippi, Westburg was introduced to baseball at a young age, having grown up in a sports-oriented family. His father, a former baseball player, played a crucial role in shaping Westburg’s approach to the game. However, it was at Mississippi State University that Westburg’s baseball career truly began to take flight. Playing for the Bulldogs, he quickly became known for his disciplined approach at the plate, a strong work ethic, and his ability to hit for both power and average.

During his time in Starkville, Westburg became one of the premier shortstops in college baseball, earning SEC honors for his batting prowess and defensive abilities. His time with Mississippi State set the foundation for his professional career, showcasing his versatility, a characteristic that would become pivotal in his future success with the Orioles. His ability to play multiple infield positions added value, especially in an organization like the Orioles, who were building depth in the infield for the future.

The Orioles’ Selection: A New Beginning

When the Baltimore Orioles selected Westburg in the first round of the 2020 MLB Draft, there were high expectations surrounding his potential. Given his blend of hitting ability, defensive versatility, and intelligence on the field, many speculated that he could eventually become the club’s long-term solution at shortstop. The Orioles, fresh off a rebuilding phase, were looking to revamp their farm system and had high hopes for Westburg as part of that process.

At the time, however, the Orioles’ farm system was already filled with high-ceiling players. Adley Rutschman, a catcher widely regarded as the best prospect in all of baseball, was already viewed as the future face of the franchise. Meanwhile, players like Gunnar Henderson—another top prospect—were rising through the ranks as potential stars. With such a crowded prospect pool, it was inevitable that Westburg would have to compete with some of the best young talents in baseball.

Despite the stiff competition, Westburg didn’t let the weight of expectations get to him. Instead, he honed his skills, focusing on continuous improvement both offensively and defensively. Westburg’s ascension through the Orioles’ minor league system was steady. While he wasn’t the flashiest player, he proved to be reliable, contributing to his team’s success by doing all the little things that often go unnoticed. His commitment to consistency was something that earned him respect from both coaches and teammates, even as the top-tier names around him grabbed the spotlight.

The Minor League Grind: Developing Under the Radar

Westburg’s journey through the minors is a testament to his ability to stay focused and prove himself despite the shadow of other prominent names. He started his professional career in the summer of 2020 at the alternate training site due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where he continued to work on his skills and stay ready for his eventual promotion. His first official minor league season came in 2021, when he played at both High-A Aberdeen and Double-A Bowie.

At Bowie, Westburg’s bat really started to turn heads. In 2021, he hit .285 with 10 home runs and a .874 OPS in 73 games. These numbers demonstrated that his approach at the plate was maturing, and he showed the ability to adapt to advanced pitching. More importantly, his ability to control the strike zone and get on base demonstrated his understanding of the game and his readiness for a higher level of competition.

However, Westburg’s development wasn’t just about putting up good numbers at the plate. His versatility continued to be one of his biggest strengths. While he primarily played shortstop in college and early in his professional career, the Orioles quickly saw the value in moving him around the infield to increase his potential value. Westburg began to get looks at second base and third base as well, and his ability to play multiple positions became a defining aspect of his game. This flexibility allowed the Orioles to envision him as a piece they could plug into various roles depending on team needs.

In 2022, Westburg continued to show progress at Triple-A Norfolk, where he hit .266 with 13 home runs and a .788 OPS. The power numbers were a noticeable improvement, and his ability to handle more advanced pitching further solidified his potential. Westburg’s glove, too, continued to impress, with scouts noting his smooth actions at shortstop and his adaptability at second and third base. While the hype surrounding the Orioles’ top prospects like Henderson and Rutschman was ever-present, Westburg quietly continued to tick the boxes as a legitimate MLB candidate.

Breaking Through: The Call to the Big Leagues

As the 2023 MLB season unfolded, Westburg found himself in a unique position. The Orioles were riding high, surprising many with their success in the American League East. Despite a strong farm system, including top-tier prospects like Henderson, the team was looking to build a competitive roster for the future. When the Orioles needed depth and a spark, they called on Westburg in mid-2023.

Westburg’s promotion to the big leagues was a testament to his hard work, but also to the trust the organization had in his ability to contribute immediately. His first stint in the majors began with the type of understated consistency that defined his minor league career. While he wasn’t the flashiest player on the field, he proved to be an essential piece for the Orioles—whether it was with the bat, on defense, or with his ability to step into various roles.

Westburg’s first few months in the majors saw him playing all over the infield, as manager Brandon Hyde utilized him in multiple positions. His bat started to heat up, and while he wasn’t hitting for a ton of power early on, his ability to make contact and get on base made him an asset in the lineup. His versatility became an even greater asset, as the Orioles’ roster saw injuries and changes throughout the season. Westburg’s ability to step in and produce in a variety of roles helped the Orioles maintain their competitive edge.

In the field, Westburg continued to show his defensive chops. His glove at second base, in particular, was solid, and his baseball IQ allowed him to make plays others might miss. Westburg’s ability to turn double plays, cover ground, and make smart decisions with the ball in his hand demonstrated that he was ready for the bright lights of the big leagues.

An Unsung Hero in Baltimore

In a clubhouse filled with rising stars, Westburg has carved out a role for himself that often goes underappreciated in the broader baseball conversation. The focus may be on the towering figures like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, but Westburg’s steady contributions cannot be overlooked. His adaptability, his ability to hit in various spots in the lineup, and his defensive flexibility have made him a key part of the Orioles’ success.

While some might argue that Westburg’s path to the big leagues has been a quiet one, there is a sense that he is now staking his claim as a legitimate MLB contributor. There is value in his consistency, his calm demeanor under pressure, and his ability to step up when called upon. The Orioles, who are finally starting to contend again, need players who can do the little things well, and Westburg embodies that type of player.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in Baltimore

As the Orioles continue to rise as a playoff contender, Jordan Westburg’s role within the team will undoubtedly evolve. His versatility gives the team options, and his steady production could make him a fixture in the lineup for years to come. While he may not be the most celebrated prospect or the player drawing the most media attention, he has proven that he can contribute at the highest level. Westburg’s journey reminds us that, in baseball, it’s not always the flashiest players who make the biggest impact—it’s the ones who consistently show up, do their job, and make contributions in all facets of the game.

Jordan Westburg may be an unsung hero in the eyes of some, but in Baltimore, his work ethic, dedication, and growth have made him an indispensable part of the Orioles’ resurgence. As the team looks to build a sustainable winner in the coming years, Westburg’s ability to perform in a variety of roles could be the difference between good teams and great ones.

In the end, it’s clear that Jordan Westburg, even while living in the shadows of other star prospects, has proven that he belongs on the grand stage of Major League Baseball. His journey is a testament to the power of quiet perseverance, the importance of adapting to team needs, and the realization that every contribution, no matter how small it may seem, is a step toward greatness.