7 Orioles to Watch as September Approaches

September could become one of the most important months of the 2026 season for the Baltimore Orioles. With the final stretch approaching, Baltimore has an opportunity to evaluate players who could become important pieces of the organization's future. Some are prospects climbing through the minor leagues, while others have already reached the major leagues and are looking for an opportunity to make an impact.

If the Orioles are still competing for the postseason, winning will remain the priority. However, there should still be opportunities to evaluate young talent and determine which players could have a role in 2027.

Here are seven Orioles and prospects to watch as September approaches.

1. Luis De León, LHP

Luis De León is one of the most intriguing young pitchers in the Orioles organization. The left-hander has continued progressing through the minor leagues and has reached Triple-A Norfolk, putting him within striking distance of Baltimore.

De León has shown the ability to miss bats and could give the Orioles another option as they evaluate their pitching staff. Baltimore has spent much of the season searching for consistency on the mound, making young pitchers with upside especially important.

A September call-up could give De León an opportunity to show whether his stuff can translate against major-league hitters. The Orioles wouldn't necessarily have to put him into the rotation immediately. He could work in shorter appearances or potentially out of the bullpen.

For De León, September would be about more than simply making his major-league debut. It would be an opportunity to demonstrate that he belongs in the organization's plans for 2027.

2. Michael Forret, RHP

Michael Forret is another young pitcher who could be in the conversation when the Orioles begin making their September decisions.

Forret has already reached Triple-A, giving him valuable experience against some of the best hitters outside the major leagues. His season has included both strong performances and difficult outings, but that is part of the development process for a young pitcher.

The Orioles need to determine what Forret can become.

Could he eventually compete for a rotation spot? Could he become a long-relief option? Does he need more time in Norfolk?

A September opportunity could help answer those questions.

Forret wouldn't necessarily need to dominate immediately. The Orioles would be looking at his command, pitch selection, ability to make adjustments and how he handles the pressure of facing major-league hitters.

A few appearances could provide valuable information heading into spring training.

3. Enrique Bradfield Jr., CF

Enrique Bradfield Jr. is one of the most exciting prospects in the Orioles organization because of his elite speed and defensive ability.

Bradfield has the potential to become the type of player who can change a game without hitting a home run. His speed gives him the ability to steal bases, take extra bases and put constant pressure on opposing defenses.

The biggest question is his offense.

The Orioles need to determine whether Bradfield's bat is ready for major-league pitching. If Baltimore believes he has made enough progress, September could be the perfect time to give him an opportunity.

Bradfield could provide value in several ways. He could start in center field, serve as a late-inning defensive replacement or enter games as a pinch runner.

Imagine Bradfield reaching base in the eighth inning of a one-run game.

Suddenly, the pitcher has to worry about him stealing second.

The middle infield has to pay attention to him.

The catcher has to speed up his delivery.

And the Orioles have a chance to manufacture a run.

That is the type of impact Bradfield could eventually provide.

4. Creed Willems, C

Creed Willems is another player who could benefit from a September opportunity.

Willems has developed as a catcher and first baseman, giving Baltimore some flexibility. With the Orioles continuing to build their roster for the future, organizational depth at catcher remains important.

Willems has shown offensive potential throughout his development and could eventually become a useful major-league option.

A September call-up would allow Baltimore to see how his bat handles major-league pitching while also evaluating his defensive abilities.

Willems doesn't necessarily need to become an everyday player.

If he can establish himself as a reliable backup catcher, first-base option or versatile offensive piece, he could provide value to the Orioles.

September could be the beginning of that evaluation.

5. Payton Eeles, IF

Payton Eeles may have one of the most interesting stories among the players on this list.

Eeles went undrafted before beginning his professional career in independent baseball. Instead of giving up on his major-league dream, he continued working his way through the game and eventually reached affiliated baseball.

That journey says a lot about the type of player he is.

Eeles has built his game around athleticism, speed and competitiveness. He can provide value on the bases and defensively, making him an intriguing potential September roster piece.

Baltimore doesn't necessarily need Eeles to become an everyday starter.

He could potentially contribute as a pinch runner, defensive replacement or utility player.

September rosters often require players who can perform multiple jobs, and Eeles could fit that role.

His story also makes him a player Orioles fans could quickly get behind. He has had to fight for every opportunity, and a major-league debut would represent another major step in an unusual baseball journey.

6. Heston Kjerstad, OF

Heston Kjerstad is different from the other prospects on this list because Orioles fans have already watched him play in Baltimore.

Still, September could be an extremely important month for him.

Kjerstad remains one of the most talented power hitters in the organization. When he makes solid contact, he has the ability to change a game with one swing.

The question has never really been whether Kjerstad has power.

The question is whether he can consistently produce at the major-league level.

Kjerstad has dealt with injuries and the challenges that come with establishing himself in the majors. Now the Orioles need to determine what his long-term role could be.

Could he become an everyday power hitter?

Could he be part of a platoon?

Could he become a valuable bench bat?

September could help answer those questions.

If Kjerstad gets hot during the final month, Baltimore could have an important decision to make heading into 2027.

7. Felix Bautista, RHP

Felix Bautista is the biggest name on this list and potentially the most important player for the Orioles' September plans.

Unlike the other six players, Bautista is not a prospect.

He is an established major-league closer.

When healthy, Bautista has the ability to completely change the Orioles' bullpen.

His combination of velocity and his devastating splitter makes him one of the most difficult relievers for hitters to handle. His presence also gives the Orioles another weapon in close games.

If Bautista is able to return healthy, Baltimore could potentially shorten games during the stretch run.

A lead after six or seven innings becomes much more valuable when a team has a dominant closer waiting at the end.

His return could also take pressure off the rest of the bullpen and allow other relievers to be used in more favorable situations.

If the Orioles are still in the playoff race, Bautista's return could be one of the biggest developments of September.

September Could Shape the 2027 Orioles

These seven players represent very different possibilities for Baltimore.

Luis De León and Michael Forret represent young pitching depth.

Enrique Bradfield Jr. represents speed and defensive ability.

Creed Willems represents catching depth and offensive potential.

Payton Eeles represents athleticism and versatility.

Heston Kjerstad represents left-handed power.

And Felix Bautista represents an established bullpen weapon potentially returning at a critical time.

The Orioles don't need all seven players to become stars.

They simply need to identify which players can help them win.

That's what makes September so important.

If Baltimore is fighting for a playoff spot, the club has to balance development with winning. There may not be room for every prospect to receive extensive playing time.

But even a handful of at-bats or innings can provide valuable information.

For the young pitchers, the Orioles can evaluate how their stuff plays against major-league hitters. For Bradfield, the organization can determine whether his offensive development has reached the necessary level. For Willems, Baltimore can see whether he is ready for major-league catching responsibilities. For Eeles, the club can find out whether his unique skill set translates to the highest level.

And for Kjerstad, September could be another opportunity to prove that he belongs in Baltimore's long-term plans.

Then there is Bautista.

If he returns healthy, the Orioles could suddenly have one of their biggest weapons back for the most important part of the season.

The Future of Birdland

The Orioles are entering an important period.

The organization has to determine what the roster will look like beyond 2026, and these players could be part of that conversation.

September is more than the final month on the schedule.

It is an opportunity.

An opportunity for prospects to show they belong.

An opportunity for young pitchers to prove they are ready.

An opportunity for hitters to demonstrate that they can handle major-league pitching.

And an opportunity for an established star like Bautista to show he is ready to return to his dominant form.

Whether all seven players make it to Camden Yards remains to be seen.

But Luis De León, Michael Forret, Enrique Bradfield Jr., Creed Willems, Payton Eeles, Heston Kjerstad and Felix Bautista are seven names Orioles fans should keep an eye on as September approaches.

The Orioles may be trying to win games in September, but they will also be trying to discover the players who can help them win games in 2027.

The final month of 2026 could be the beginning of the next chapter in Birdland.