Nestor German: Orioles' Next Pitching Gem?

In Mike Elias's tenure with the Orioles, the search for major league starting pitchers has often focused on late-round draft picks and undrafted free agents. This strategy has seen limited success until the emergence of Brandon Young in 2026. Nestor German, an 11th-round selection in 2023, might be the next to follow that path.

German's college stats at Seattle did not indicate future potential, but his 2024 season across A-ball showed promise, with 90 strikeouts in 73.2 innings and a 1.59 ERA. He continued to develop in 2025, posting a 3.76 ERA at Double-A.

In 2026, German pitched for Triple-A Norfolk, finishing with a 4.08 ERA and 1.325 WHIP. While these numbers are solid, especially considering the high offensive environment in the International League, German's future remains uncertain.

As a 2023 draft pick, German is eligible for the Rule 5 draft this offseason. The Orioles must decide whether to add him to their 40-man roster to protect him from being lost. His path to the majors is complicated by established pitchers and a wave of emerging prospects like Joseph Dzierwa.

German's opportunity may depend on potential injuries to other pitchers or his ability to maintain his performance. He faces a challenging but potentially rewarding situation within a deep Orioles' pitching prospect system.