BALTIMORE — Another first for the Orioles’ developing farm system came Wednesday, with Baltimore coming in fourth in Baseball America’s latest organizational rankings.
It’s the first preseason top-five ranking for the Orioles, though they ranked second in the most recent midseason edition. In addition to the Seattle Mariners, who retained the top spot, Baltimore also trails American League East compatriot Tampa Bay and Pittsburgh.
The Orioles entered last season with the No. 7 farm system in Baseball America’s view, with executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias inheriting a farm system that was 22nd in 2019′s preseason rankings. They jumped to 12th before the next season, largely fueled by the addition of catcher Adley Rutschman, selected with the first overall pick in the 2019 draft.
