Basallo, Gibson, Beavers Ranked Among ESPN's Top 100 Prospects

Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo tops the list at #4 overall.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 2:07pm

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ESPN has released its top 100 MLB prospect rankings, and three Orioles players made the list - catcher Samuel Basallo at #4 overall, right-handed pitcher Trey Gibson at #46, and outfielder Dylan Beavers at #57. Basallo is the highest-ranked Orioles prospect, with ESPN praising his "huge bat speed and raw power." Gibson and Beavers were also recognized as promising young talents in the Orioles' farm system.

Why it matters

The Orioles have been rebuilding their minor league system in recent years, and these high prospect rankings indicate the team is developing some of the top young talent in baseball. If these players continue to progress, they could soon make an impact at the major league level and help the Orioles return to contention.

The details

According to ESPN's prospect expert Kiley McDaniel, Basallo is the #4 overall prospect in baseball, behind only Konnor Griffin (Pirates), Kevin McGonigle (Tigers), and Jesús Made (Brewers). McDaniel compares Basallo's potential to that of All-Star catchers Salvador Perez and Gary Sanchez, as well as Hall of Famer Jim Thome. While Basallo's defense is still a work in progress, his elite bat speed and power potential make him one of the top young players in the minors. Gibson and Beavers were also praised by McDaniel, with Gibson projected as a future mid-rotation starter or late-inning reliever, and Beavers seen as a solid everyday right fielder with an above-average on-base percentage and power/speed combination.

  • ESPN released its top 100 prospect rankings on January 27, 2026.

The players

Samuel Basallo

A highly touted catcher in the Orioles' farm system, ranked as the #4 overall prospect in baseball by ESPN.

Trey Gibson

A right-handed pitcher in the Orioles' organization, ranked #46 on ESPN's top 100 prospects list.

Dylan Beavers

An outfielder in the Orioles' minor league system, ranked #57 on ESPN's top 100 prospects list.

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What they’re saying

“Basallo's career follows the path of Perez, who has 303 homers in 14 seasons and is still going strong for the Royals. And if Basallo hits anything like the Hall of Famer Thome, well...look out, baseball.”

— Kiley McDaniel, ESPN prospect expert

“Gibson is almost a slam dunk to be a later-inning reliever if starting doesn't work, but there's also No. 2/No. 3 starter upside with one more tick of command refinement.”

— Kiley McDaniel, ESPN prospect expert

The takeaway

The Orioles' farm system is producing some of the top young talent in baseball, with Basallo, Gibson, and Beavers all ranking among ESPN's top 100 prospects. If these players continue to develop, they could soon make an impact at the major league level and help the Orioles return to contention in the coming years.