The team that picked first in the 2019 MLB Draft comes in at number 29 on my list.

The Baltimore Orioles are beginning to come out of their rebuild as their farm system is one of the better ones in all of baseball ranking 11th according to Bleacher Report Their system is highlighted by the Adley Rutschman who is widely regarded as one of the best all around catching prospects in years.

The Orioles still owe Chris Davis $69 million over the next three seasons to basically sit on the bench and $29 million to Alex Cobb over the next two seasons. Apart from them, nobody on the team is making more than $4.75 million this season and only seven total players are making over $1 million. That fact alone is they have the lowest payroll in baseball, which is wise during a full rebuild.

Grayson Rodriguez and D.L. Hall are two very good pitching prospects that could anchor the rotation a few years down the line. They also have a good group of young players that have started to succeed at the big league level including outfielder Anthony Santander and southpaw John Means. They have drafted well in recent years and if they continue to do so, they could be in position to contend within the next five years.

Once Chris Davis’ contract is off the books, the Orioles will likely be able to make a run at a premier free agent but until then, they will remain at the bottom of baseball.

Top Acquisition – Jose Iglesias

Biggest loss – Jonathan Villar

MVP – Trey Mancini

Projected Finish – 5th in AL East

Projected Lineup:

1. Hasner Alberto, 2B
2. Trey Mancini, LF
3.  Anthony Santander, CF
4. Renato Nunez, DH
5. Rio Ruiz, 3B
6. Austin Hays, RF
7. Chris Davis, 1B
8. Jose Iglesias, SS
9. Chance Sisco, C

Projected Rotation:

1. John Means
2. Alex Cobb
3. Asher Wojciechowski
4. Wade LeBlanc
5. Brandon Bailey

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