Another Orioles Phenom Tops Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects For 2023

He was the 2022 Minor League Player of the Year who also made a big impact on the majors in a short September trial. And now the latest honor bestowed upon Baltimore Orioles' infielder Gunnar Henderson is Baseball America's top prospect for 2023. 

#1: Gunnar Henderson

A well-rounded player with few weaknesses, Gunnar Henderson has the speed, strength and athleticism to impact the game in multiple ways and is ready for a starring role with the @Orioles after making his major league debut last year.https://t.co/anoG4NiBHP pic.twitter.com/b57zpl1CxC

— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) January 20, 2023

Henderson follows in his teammate's footsteps, as Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman topped the last at this time last year. And we know that the backstop had a stellar rookie campaign and looks poised for greatness.

The 21-year-old Henderson played 34 games for the O's down the stretch in '22, and proved that he could make the jump to The Show. He notched a .788 OPS, and an OPS+ of 123, meaning he was 23% better than the average hitter. He blasted four home runs in his short trial, along with seven doubles and a triple. 

At Triple-A, Henderson batted .297 with a .946 OPS, 19 HR, 22 SBs, and a .416 on-base percentage in 112 games. 

And he has yet another Baltimore teammate joining him in the Top 10 this year, as right-hander Grayson Rodriguez ranks as the No. 6 prospect overall, and the second-highest pitcher on the list. 

But wait, there's more for the Orioles to celebrate: their No. 1 pick of the 2022 June Draft, Jackson Holliday (son of former major league 7-time All-Star Matt Holliday) is at No. 15 on the 2023 list of Baseball America's top prospects. 

Good times ahead for the Birds. 

Photo: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports