HOUSTON — After weeks of speculation and the continuation of his torrid form in Triple-A, outfield prospect Dylan Beavers is being called up for his major league debut, the Orioles announced.
Baltimore’s outfield situation, through a combination of injuries and trades, has been thin for weeks. The production has been even more sparse from the group of journeymen veterans. Beavers’ promotion gives the Orioles a look at one of their highest-ranked prospects for the rest of a season for which there’s little left to play.
Beavers will wear No. 12. To make room, the Orioles designated outfielder Greg Allen for assignment.
Beavers played Friday night for Triple-A Norfolk in Jacksonville, Florida, where he finished 1-for-4. He’ll meet the Orioles in Houston.
Multiple Orioles players have gotten a close look at Beavers and top prospect Samuel Basallo during time with Triple-A this year. First baseman Ryan Mountcastle, who recently completed a rehab assignment, said there are “a lot of great players down there and a lot of bright futures ahead of them.”
The next step on that journey, for Beavers, begins Saturday.
Baseball America rates Beavers as Baltimore’s third-ranked prospect, and he just rose into the publication’s Top 100 prospect list, which is notable as the Orioles monitor the possibility of a prospect promotion incentive pick next season. Beavers maintains his rookie eligibility next season because the Orioles waited until after Aug. 15.
If a player spends more than 45 days on the active roster or exceeds 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched, he is no longer considered a rookie. The first day Baltimore could promote Beavers to ensure he wouldn’t exceed 45 days on the major league roster was Aug. 15.
That likely played a role in the timing of Beavers’ promotion, because there’s a chance — however slim — that Baltimore would receive an extra draft pick should Beavers win the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2026. For Beavers to be eligible, he would need to break into the Top 100 rankings of two major organizations (Baseball America, MLB Pipeline, ESPN) prior to opening day.
The Orioles took Beavers out of Cal with the 33rd overall pick in the 2022 draft.
Beavers flashed power throughout college, and his performances this season for Triple-A Norfolk have proven that it can translate to the next level. Beavers is hitting .304 with a .935 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, including 18 homers and 23 steals.
He can play center field, and he did so one year at Cal and occasionally throughout the minors. But Beavers likely slots into a corner outfield spot with the Orioles on a more regular basis.
His underlying metrics have impressed, too. According to Prospect Savant, Beavers’ average exit velocity is 89.7 mph. He’s showing plate discipline, ranking in the 85th percentile with a 20.18% chase rate. And his barrel rate of 9.3% places him in the 73rd percentile.
Dylan Beavers was the 33rd overall selection in the 2022 draft. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)
The Orioles have needed outfield help for some time, especially since the trade deadline. Baltimore parted with center fielder Cedric Mullins (Mets) and corner outfielder Ramón Laureano (Padres). Ryan O’Hearn, a first baseman or right fielder, joined Laureano in San Diego.
Even with Mullins’ extended slump, those three were critical parts of the lineup. And, in early August, Colton Cowser suffered a concussion, which has thinned the position group further.
In their place, 25-year-old rookie Jeremiah Jackson has frequently played in right field despite a career mostly in the infield. The Orioles have added pieces through the waiver wire or free agency, including Ryan Noda, Daniel Johnson and Allen. Dylan Carlson and Jordyn Adams, already within the organization, have played. Barring Jackson, the offensive numbers from the group haven’t impressed.
Beavers could bring life to that group, although to expect instant production is to discount how difficult major league pitching is to face. Multiple Orioles prospects, including Jackson Holliday, have struggled with the adjustment.
But, in a season without a realistic playoff possibility, the time has arrived to give younger players the chance to prove their worth for 2026 and beyond.