MLB Network Insider believes Baltimore Orioles prospect Grayson Rodriguez could be a future star: "He's got the chance to be the ace of the future"

The Baltimore Orioles made some noise last year, finishing the regular season with a 83-79 record. It was their best record since 2016, when they finished the regular season 89-73.

They were led by Adley Rutschman, their No. 1 pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. They also received some help from another top prospect in Gunnar Henderson. Now they have another prospect they're excited about, and people around the league think he's going to be special.

"He's got the chance to be the ace of the future for the Baltimore Orioles" said Steve Phillips of MLB Network.

Rodriguez was selected as the 11th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. He's regarded as a top pitching prospect at the moment.

Last season looked like a breakout year where he'd make his major league debut but suffered a lat strain. This caused him to miss three months of the season, and now he's healthy and ready to go.

Bouncing around the various minor league systems, he compiled a 6-2 record with a 2.62 ERA. He possesses a high spin-rate fastball that can touch triple digits. On top of that, he has a devastating changeup that can be viewed as his best pitch. He also has a slider and a curveball to close out a four-pitch repertoire.

No wonder the Baltimore Orioles are excited about this guy. He has insane stuff on the mound. Everything he throws makes for an uncomfortable at-bat for the hitter.

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The team isn't bad on paper. Adley Rutschman is poised to continue his breakout year. Last season, he had a slash line of .254/.362/.445 with 13 home runs. Many around the league believe Rutschman will be in contention for MVP voting in 2023.

Alongside Rutschman, the team is excited to get a full season from Gunnar Henderson. Henderson played in 34 games for the Baltimore Orioles, having been called up late into the season. In those 34 games, he slashed .259/.349/.440 with four home runs.

They play in one of the toughest divisions in all baseball in the American League East. It's hard competing in a division that holds the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and always dangerous Tampa Bay Rays.

The Orioles will be a team to keep an eye on this season. They have the talent to be a surprise contender.