The Baltimore Orioles saw their run of three postseason appearances in five years come to an end in 2017, as a late-season skid dropped the club to the bottom of the American League East standings. The team's yearlong struggles started and ended with its starting rotation, which as a whole posted a 5.70 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP, both Major League-worsts.
But this season as players return to begin Pre-Season training Adam Hall is on the Baltimore Orioles Top 30 Prospects list to get a chance to play in the Major Leagues this season.
Canada has produced a fair share of Draft talent over the years, with Josh Naylor and Mike Soroka the most recent examples to get taken in the first round (both in 2015). There hasn't been much in the way of middle infielders to come from north of the border, but the Orioles are hopeful that Hall, who signed for $1.3 million as a second-round pick, will be the first to reverse that trend. Hall made his pro debut in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, where he tallied six hits in nine at-bats before an oblique injury prematurely ended his season.
Hall might be a bit unpolished, but he has considerable tools and upside. He has a decent approach at the plate for his age and experience level, with a natural feel to hit and good bat speed. There should be some gap power in the future as well, and he should compile plenty of doubles and triples thanks to his plus speed and sharp base running. Hall is capable of making the spectacular play defensively, and while his arm might grade out as average, he can reach back for more when needed and he's usually very accurate. He will struggle at times with the backhand play, but most feel he can stick at short. If not, his tools also would fit nicely at the keystone.
Hall needs to add strength to his athletic frame, but that should come as he matures physically. Having turned 18 not long before the Draft, he'll have plenty of time to fulfill his fairly high ceiling.
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