Baltimore Orioles: What now after missing on Mesa brothers?

Continue their pursuit of Sandy Gaston

It was expected that Sandy Gaston would be part of a package deal with the Mesa brothers. However, as he is still unsigned, the Baltimore Orioles have an opportunity.

Considered the 16th best international prospect, Gaston is an intriguing pitcher. Although he is only 17 years old, he has a fastball that sits in the mid 90s, and has been clocked as high as 97 MPH. His secondary pitches, a slider and change, are considered to be a work in progress, but should improve once he gets continual training and coaching.

With the Mesa’s off the board, Gaston is the last player in the MLB.com top 30 international free agents available. He is a player that carries some risk, especially as his future role is still undetermined. Yet, even if Gaston is unable to develop his secondary pitches to the point where he can remain a starter, his fastball is good enough where he could become a solid relief prospect.

For a team like the Orioles, he is the type of pitcher that is well worth the risk. Baltimore has a lack of pitching prospects, and Gaston could easily be one of their top prospects overall if signed. His high octane fastball would give him a weapon that is simply lacking, a high upside pitcher who could eventually develop into the ace they need.

Although the Baltimore Orioles missed on the Mesa brothers, they may not be shut out in Cuba. Sandy Gaston is an intriguing arm, and could be the type of pitcher that can be a solid arm moving forward.