Rundown of Baltimore Orioles prospects in 2017 Arizona Fall League
By Vivek Shukla
Steve Wilkerson, 3B
Steve Wilkerson profiles as a strong candidate to be the next Baltimore Orioles utility infielder. Drafted in round eight out of Clemson University, Wilkerson has played all around the infield along with some outfield throughout his last four years in the minors. This year has been his breakout where after batting .323 and an OBP of .407 with Frederick Keys, he was promoted to Bowie Baysox and has hit .296 with an OBP of .359.
Wilkerson’s breakout year, along with many at Bowie, has even caught the interest of Buck Showalter. The Orioles manager Buck Showalter had mentioned that when Hardy and Flaherty were both injured this year, Wilkerson was considered as a call-up option.
As a switch hitter and the ability to play multiple positions, he could prove to be valuable to the Orioles. Ryan Flaherty will be a free agent, and Steve Wilkerson would have to be added to the 40 man to be protected from Rule 5.
There are still one or two more players to be named to the AFL team Salt River Rafters. This year’s AFL batch proves to be an exciting and promising one for the Baltimore Orioles.