Orioles Prospects Embrace Versatility for Opportunity

Bowie, Maryland — Three of baseball’s most promising prospects—Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, and Jackson Holliday—have demonstrated versatility by playing multiple positions as they advance through the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system.

Drafted as shortstops, the trio has made their mark across infield positions, with Holliday playing second base, third base, and shortstop during 218 minor league games. Westburg has also showcased his adaptability, playing all three infield positions along with left and right field. Meanwhile, Henderson has primarily focused on infield roles, including first base. Despite their varied positions, their versatility was not a requirement for advancing in the Orioles’ system.

In contrast, current prospects Max Wagner and Tavian Josenberger, who are not ranked among the Orioles’ top 30 by MLB Pipeline, see versatility as crucial to carving out a place on the team. Wagner admires the way Westburg has leveraged his flexible skill set to make an impact. “That’s the guy that people have said, just because of how versatile he is, he’s able to play wherever, hit in whatever spot in the lineup,” Wagner said while in Bowie. “That’s kind of what I want to be. Any way to get in the lineup. I’ll get in the outfield, I’ll catch if I have to.”

Wagner, a former second-round pick, has faced challenges after missing nearly a full season due to injury. Acknowledging the importance of being versatile, he added, “I know versatility is huge in this org. Primary is third, and then second base, but I’ve worked a little bit at first.” He emphasized his commitment to exploring different positionings on the field. “Just working on different shifts, different depths, stuff like that. Different ground balls, going from one side of the diamond to the other.”

Josenberger, selected in the third round of the 2023 draft, raises the bar with his own flexibility. The former Arkansas Razorback and Kansas Jayhawk played six different positions in 2024. When asked about preparing for such a wide range of roles during the offseason, he quipped, “You need a lot of space, especially if you’re somewhere that it’s cold. Making sure you’re getting your ground balls in and your fly balls in.”

On the Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Orioles, nearly every position player is expected to embrace multi-position play. At Triple-A Norfolk, the trend continues with players adapting to various roles.

As the big league season kicked off, the benefits of this versatility became evident. Holliday, after training at second base over the offseason, started the season at shortstop. Westburg shifted from an All-Star season at third base to take on second base duties. With Henderson’s return, Holliday has moved back to second and Westburg to third base, showcasing the flexibility that manager Brandon Hyde now has at his disposal.

Wagner and Josenberger remain hopeful that their commitment to versatility will secure them a spot in the lineup as they continue maturing through the Orioles’ system.