The 2025 season was filled with more downs than ups for the Orioles. One undeniable peak, however, was the farm system’s improvement. 

In the top 70 picks of the MLB Draft, Baltimore selected two of their current top five prospects, according to MLB Pipeline, a duo of dazzling arms and a pair of bats used to help acquire Shane Baz. Plus, in dealing away some veteran talent of their own, the O’s added some more pitching talent and position player depth. 

Two of the players acquired last season, Wehiwa Aloy and Boston Bateman, are already making waves in their first full seasons in the organization. The duo was named the Orioles’ minor league player and pitcher of the month of May, respectively, headlining the organization’s top performers down on the farm.  

Wehiwa Aloy 

The reigning Golden Spikes Award winner has seamlessly made the transition to professional ball. 

In May, the shortstop boasted a .329 batting average and slugged a whopping .624 with six home runs. His 1.026 OPS during that stretch led the organization, and his dozen extra-base hits ranked second. It’s an impressive power showcase from the Arkansas product, especially at a position of value. 

Perhaps most encouraging was Aloy’s approach in the month. In his 19 games in April, Aloy struck out over 30 percent of the time. In May, that number dropped roughly 10 percent, down to 20.6, helping boost his on-base percentage over .400. 

Ike Irish joked with me that Aloy, a former SEC rival turned teammate, “lives on island time.” Whatever mindset has led to the shortstop’s production works just fine. 

Boston Bateman 

The 2026 season didn’t start smoothly for the big lefty. 

Through five games, Bateman had an ERA of 6.35. He completed five innings just once and opponents hit .303. But in May, everything changed. 

The former Padres’ prospect started four games in the month and posted a 0.89 ERA, surrendering either zero or one earned run in each outing and dropping his opponent batting average by .100 points. He tossed more innings in those four outings than his previous five, completing at least five frames three times. 

The 6 ‘8, 240 pound left-hander still needs to keep his walks down, as he currently surrenders nearly five free passes per nine innings. But the stuff is evident, and improvements in the box score back that up. 

Creed Willems 

The catching position in Baltimore couldn’t be much more secure in the hands of Adley Rutschman and Samuel Basallo. But even if a door isn’t evidently open, Willems is doing his best to pry. 

The former 8th-round pick posted a .930 OPS in May, mashing seven home runs along the way. And Willems isn’t just a power hitter, either, with a batting average just shy of .290 and a .364 OBP in the month. 

With two more home runs to begin June, Willems has boosted his longball total to 13 on the year. If Baltimore is looking for some juice from the left side of the plate, Willems could be the one to call.