MiLB Opening Weekend

On The Verge | An Orioles Prospect Podcast41mApril 7, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The On The Verge podcast dives into the opening weekend of the 2026 minor league baseball season, offering early impressions and standout performances across the Orioles' farm system. The episode kicks off with a sponsor spotlight on IQ Bar, followed by a welcome to new Patreon member Stanley Westman and a spirited discussion on the Orioles' upcoming series against the White Sox. The core of the episode focuses on promising early-season performances from key prospects: Creed Willems, whose strong start in AAA Norfolk has reignited interest in his offensive potential despite defensive limitations; Thomas Sosa, whose power-hitting debut with Chesapeake shows signs of a long-awaited breakout; and Joseph Giroa, whose dominant professional debut for Frederick—six shutout innings, nine strikeouts, one hit—has made him an instant top 10 prospect candidate. The hosts also highlight Trace Bright’s strong AA debut and Anderson De Los Santos’ improved contact and plate discipline, underscoring the theme of development beyond linear progression. The episode closes with a tribute to T.T. Bowens’ departure and a look at emerging talent like DJ Layton and Brian Arantia, reinforcing the organization’s depth and resilience despite injury setbacks. Overall, the tone is optimistic and forward-looking, celebrating early signs of progress across the system.

Key Takeaways
1

Creed Willems is off to a strong start in AAA with elite on-base and power numbers, signaling a potential breakout despite defensive concerns.

2

Thomas Sosa’s opening weekend performance—three doubles, a triple, a home run, and minimal strikeouts—suggests he may finally be turning the corner after years of inconsistent results.

3

Joseph Giroa’s professional debut was a masterclass: six shutout innings, nine strikeouts, and elite command, making him a top 10 prospect in the eyes of the hosts.

4

The Orioles’ farm system is showing depth beyond the top 30, with players like Trace Bright, Anderson De Los Santos, and DJ Layton demonstrating growth and potential.

5

The trade for Jonathan Rodriguez from Cleveland adds MLB-ready depth and power to Norfolk’s struggling lineup, a smart move given the current injury situation.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
5 min

Opening Weekend Kickoff & Sponsor Intro

The episode begins with a welcome to the 2026 minor league season, a sponsor plug for IQ Bar, and a shoutout to new Patreon member Stanley Westman. The hosts express excitement for the Orioles' upcoming series and set the tone for an optimistic, player-focused discussion.

5:00
8 min

Creed Willems: The Quiet Offense at AAA

He's taking a lot of strikes. He's being very patient at the plate, but he's getting the pitches that he wants and he's making good contact against them.

Highlight
13:20
10 min

Thomas Sosa: A Breakout in the Making?

He just looks so much more assertive. I also give him credit for playing in the cold weather like that on the road, in a ballpark he's never played in before.

Highlight
23:20
10 min

Joseph Giroa’s Dominant Pro Debut

He picked the spots. And that fastball up in the zone, truly unhittable. That look for lefties has got to be daunting.

Highlight
33:20
10 min

Other Notable Performances & System Depth

The hosts highlight Trace Bright’s strong AA debut, Anderson De Los Santos’ improved contact and plate discipline, and emerging talent like DJ Layton and Brian Arantia. They also discuss the trade for Jonathan Rodriguez and the importance of depth amid injuries.

High-Impact Quotes
He picked the spots. And that fastball up in the zone, truly unhittable. That look for lefties has got to be daunting.
Zach Spedman27:56
Viral: 90.0
I'm going to say it right now. You've got that guy in Joseph Jira. I strongly believe that.
Nick Stephens27:08
Viral: 88.0
He's taking a lot of strikes. He's being very patient at the plate, but he's getting the pitches that he wants and he's making good contact against them.
Nick Stephens6:25
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Hosts

Zach SpedmanBob PhelanNick Stephens
Topics Discussed
Minor League Opening Weekend95%Prospect Development90%Pitching Prospects88%Offensive Performance85%Injury Management75%Player Trade Analysis70%Defensive Limitations65%Rule 5 Eligibility60%
People & Brands

Creed Willems

person

28xPositive

Thomas Sosa

person

22xPositive

Orioles

other

22xPositive

Joseph Giroa

person

18xPositive

Frederick Keys

other

16xPositive

Norfolk Tides

other

14xNeutral

IQ Bar

brand

12xPositive

Chesapeake Baysox

other

12xPositive

Trace Bright

person

10xPositive

Anderson De Los Santos

person

9xPositive

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