Ranking the Baltimore Orioles' Most Major League-Ready Prospects for Next Season

The Baltimore Orioles have secured their spot in the 2014 MLB playoffs as they clinched the AL East division crown last Tuesday against the Toronto Blue Jays.

While the Orioles have lost a few vital pieces, the club has embraced the "next man up" mentality. It's not a question whether someone may be a good replacement—he needs to be.

The Orioles have also been relying on their younger players more than they have in the past.

One player of note is second baseman Jonathan Schoop, who has stayed up with the major league club all season long after an incredible performance in spring training.

It was clear that Schoop was the most major league-ready prospect in the system who fit their need in filling a hole at second base at the time.

Looking ahead to next season, it's interesting to see who will be the next Schoop for this club and make a considerable impact with essentially no major league experience under their belt.

Here's a look at the top major league-ready prospects for the 2015 season.

3. Tim Berry, LHP, Double-A Bowie

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Left-handed pitcher Tim Berry has spent the entire 2014 season at the Double-A level, but his performance suggests that next season he will likely begin the year at Triple-A. He could possibly break camp with the club if he wows the team, or if they have a need for another bullpen arm.

Berry's ERA of 3.51 and his K/9 ratio of 7.3 over 23 starts suggest that he's faring quite well against the competition of this level. He is coming along quite well in his development at the age of 23.

Over the year, Berry has been making small improvements to improve his overall game.

Per MASNSports' Steve Melewski, Berry has improved his pitching arsenal: "As far as my stuff goes, things are getting better, especially the breaking ball, which I felt before the season was kind of my next step and that is coming along."

With a shortage of lefty arms in the farm system and the inevitable departure of lefty reliever Andrew Miller via free agency, Berry would be an option for the Orioles to bring north at the conclusion of spring training.

2. Dylan Bundy, RHP, High-A Frederick

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For a player who was once deemed the No. 1 overall prospect in baseball, it's disappointing to see Dylan Bundy still carrying the prospect label.

Next summer will mark four years since the Orioles drafted him as their first-round pick in the 2011 amateur draft.

After undergoing Tommy John surgery last summer, the young phenom finally started seeing game action again this past June, and the results early on alleviated concerns that he may not be the same pitcher he once was. In his first three starts of the season, Bundy only allowed one earned run over 15 innings pitched.

The results were mixed to end the year, however, as Bundy threw to a 4.67 ERA across his next six starts. He was ultimately shut down for the year after straining a lat muscle in mid-August.

Despite yet another setback, Bundy has the tools to dominate at the major league level. He has a chance to break camp with the major league club if he stays healthy.

1. Christian Walker, 1B, Baltimore Orioles

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First baseman Christian Walker has had one heck of a breakout season for the Baltimore Orioles organization.

The former South Carolina Gamecock has played in a total of 144 games in the 2014 season so far, which includes his time with the parent club now. In 616 plate appearances, he has hit 27 home runs, tallied 97 RBI and scored 74 runs.

Walker's season on-base percentage is a very impressive .354, a number which the Orioles hope he can at least come close to at the major league level.

According to ScoutingBook.com, Walker is tabbed as a hitter with superior on-base skills but questionable power. His career floor is comparable to the likes of James Loney and Kevin Youkilis.

Given the suspension of Chris Davis and his rapid decline in production, Walker has been gifted a great opportunity to receive an abundant amount of at-bats. If he does well, he has a chance to lock down a roster spot with the club for the 2015 campaign.

All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference unless otherwise noted.