The Orioles have the hype, but the Blue Jays’ pitching prospects deserve more attention

The Chesapeake Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, currently boast a rotation that has prospect evaluators excited about the Orioles' pitching in the future. In fact a recent MLB.com article pegged this group as possibly the best rotation in the minors. One through five, they possess arms that have bright futures in the Major Leagues. Their rotation currently features:

1. Anthony Eyanson (MLB Pipeline #49, Orioles #2)

Eyanson was drafted in the third round of the 2025 MLB Draft by the Red Sox. Eyanson was one of the pieces sent to the Orioles for Adley Rustchman. For the season, across two levels, Eyanson has posted a 1.51 ERA and 0.93 WHIP. Eyanson shows an elite ability to strike out batters while limiting walks, as his 27.5% K%-BB% would rank second in the Majors behind Jacob Misiorowski (31.7%).

2. Joseph Dzierwa (MLB Pipeline #89, Orioles #3)

Dzierwa, a second round pick by the Orioles in the 2025 MLB Draft, has had a breakout season in 2026. After dominating High-A to the tune of a 2.21 ERA and 0.81 WHIP, Dzierwa was promoted to Double-A where he has continued that success. In 17 games, Dzierwa has a 2.43 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. Dzierwa's success is driven by limiting home runs as his 7.2% HR/FB% would rank third in the Majors, behind Chris Sale (6.8%) and his future rotation mate, Shane Baz (6.3%).

3. Caden Hunter (MLB Pipeline #97, Orioles #4)

Hunter, like his rotation mate, Dzierwa, was also drafted in the 2025 MLB Draft. The Orioles selected him in the sixth round and he has experienced a similar breakout this season. After dominating Low-A and High-A, Hunter has looked good albeit not as dominant at Double-A. In seven Double-A starts, Hunter has a 3.09 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.

Hunter, like Eyanson, shows an elite ability to strike out hitters while limiting the walks. His 25.1% K-BB% for the season would rank fifth in the Majors, behind Jacob Misiorowski (31.7%), Chris Sale (25.8%), Gavin Williams (25.7%), and Cam Schlittler (25.4%).

4. JT Quinn (Orioles #14)

Quinn, was selected in the Competitive Balance Round B of the 2025 MLB Draft by the Orioles. Quinn spent a majorty of the 2026 season at High-A, but was promoted to Double-A in mid-August. In four starts at Double-A, Quinn has a 2.50 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. Quinn's success this season has largely been driven by his elite ability to induce ground balls. His 58.5% GB% would rank first in the Majors, ahead of Cristopher Sanchez (58.2%).

While the Orioles' may boast a future rotation that has a lot of people excited, the Blue Jays also have some pitching prospects that should not be forgotten about. Throughout the season, these names have made stops at Double-A New Hampshire. Some of the these names are currently pitching at Double-A, while others have graduated to Triple-A Buffalo.

Blue Jays' next wave of pitching looks just as intriguing as Baltimore's

1. Nolan Perry (MLB Pipeline #95, Blue Jays #2)

Perry was drafted in the 12th round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Blue Jays. After struggling in his first two seasons, Perry missed all of 2025 with Tommy John surgery. In his first season back, Perry has been one of the biggest breakouts in the Blue Jays system. Across three levels this season, Perry has a 2.63 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. Perry always had the ability to strike out hitters, but that has jumped to another level. His 35.7% K% this season is well above his 27.9% from his first two seasons.

2. Johnny King (Blue Jays #3)

King has become a household name among Blue Jays prospect watchers. King was drafted in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft and has experienced a slow rise up the system. After spending last season in Florida between the FCL and Low-A, King began the 2026 season at High-A Vancouver. The Blue Jays promoted King to Double-A in mid-August and in five starts, King has posted a 2.95 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. Part of King's success in 2026 has been his ability to limit home runs. His 8.9% HR/FB% would rank top-10 in the Majors this season.

3. Gage Stanifer (Blue Jays #10)

Stanifer was drafted in the 19th round of the 2022 MLB Draft by the Blue Jays and has slowly made his way up the Blue Jays system. After struggling mightily in his first two professional seasons, Stanifer experienced a breakout season in 2025. He posted a 2.86 ERA and 1.17 WHIP across three levels in 2025.

While the results have not been the same in 2026, Stanifer has maintained his ability to generate strike outs at an elite rate. His 30.2 K% this season would rank seventh in the Majors. Stanifer was promoted to Triple-A on September 8.

5. Daniel Guerra (Blue Jays #17)

The Blue Jays signed Guerra out of Venzeula as part of their international signing period in 2022 and has had a breakout season in 2026. This year, Guerra has posted a 3.04 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. Guerra's breakout this season has been fueled by an improved ability to strike out hitters. His 32.7% K% is the highest of his career and would rank fourth in the Majors. Guerra was promoted to Triple-A on August 25.

Perry, King, Stanifer, and Guerra are just a few names that fans should keep an eye out for. Dasan Hill, who was acquired in the Jeff Hoffman trade has looked much better under the Blue Jays watch at High-A Vancouver. Danny Thompson Jr., a fellow 2025 draftee has had a quick rise up in the system as he is currently at Double-A with Perry and King.

Long term, both organizations have pitching prospects to be excited for. While the Orioles' may possess flashier names in the system, the Blue Jays have names of their own that can make a similar impact.

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