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Baltimore Orioles Top Ten Prospects for 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Apr 6, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; A general view of Baltimore Orioles glove and hat lays in the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; A general view of Baltimore Orioles glove and hat lays in the dugout against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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3. Jomar Reyes, 3B

Birthdate: 2/20/97 (19 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: high-A
Stats in 2016: .228/.271/.336, 10 HR

As I contacted folks on Reyes, I kept hearing the same comment in some way or another – this kid is more than what the stat line will make you believe.

So I watched a number more games, and I can see what others were talking about. Reyes leaps off the screen when watching his team with his massive size. However, with that massive size, he generates a very natural swing from the right side, with pitch recognition being his biggest bugaboo.

While I had a number of people mention his below-average running and the challenge that could present at third, from watching Reyes he does have quite soft hands and good first instincts that could allow him to work his way to the majors at the hot corner. I do think he’ll end up likely at first base as he wouldn’t have the speed to man a corner outfield spot, even though his above-average arm would allow for success there.

Reyes has been pushed rather aggressively by the Orioles to this point. He spent all of 2016 as a teenager at high-A, and he’ll likely only be 20 and playing at AA in 2017. He’s at the point where it’s likely wise for the Orioles to let him grow into the upper levels and not push him before he’s ready.

There’s massive power here that is rare not just in the Orioles system, but at such a level that it is rare in the game, so there is plenty to dream on with Reyes.

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