The Orioles 2nd round pick in the 2021 draft, Norby has a chance to be an everyday second baseman with on base ability and some pop.
Connor Norby
Pos: 2B
Bats: R
Throws: R
Age (as of Jun 30th) : 21
2021 Level: FCL/A-
Tools (current/future value)
Hit: 40/55
Game Power: 35/45
Raw Power: 40/45
Run: 55/55
Defense: 40/50
| Season | Team | Level | Age | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | ISO | LD% | GB% | FB% | wOBA | wRC+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | BAL | CPX | 21 | 0 | 4.2% | 29.2% | .182 | .208 | .273 | .481 | .091 | 18.8% | 62.5% | 18.8% | .221 | 25 |
| 2021 | BAL | A | 21 | 3 | 16.7% | 22.2% | .283 | .413 | .434 | .847 | .152 | 25.0% | 47.2% | 27.8% | .397 | 135 |
Most Likely Future Role: Second baseman/super utility
Ceiling: 1st Division Starting Second baseman
What we know: Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft and signed for a little under slot at $1.7 million after slashing .415/.484/.659/1.143 with 15 home runs and a 33 BB – 34 K ratio in 284 PAs during his junior year at East Caroline University. Norby made a solid pro debut putting up a 25% line drive rate, .397 wOBA and a 135 wRC+ in 126 PAs in Low-A ball. His hit tool is his calling card with a line drive approach and occasional pop. The 21-year old hits to all fields and and can pepper both alleys for doubles and the occasional triple with solid average speed. On the bases he’s a good instinctual runner rather than a burner.
Defensively Norby has solid hands and good range at second base, but his arm can be inaccurate at times and he made several errands throws during relays for errors. He made his share of errors in college as well, so it bares watching whether he can improve that aspect of his defensive play.
What we don’t know: As he moves up the chain, he’ll need to show he can handle big velocity and upper level offspeed pitches. Will his throwing come around or will he need to move to the outfield at some point? Will he end up a super utility guy vs an everyday upper division second baseman?
What we think: Norby should start 2022 in High-A Aberdeen and the hope is that his bat is advanced enough to move up the chain similar to Jordan Westburg this past year. He has double digit home run potential and if he can sure up his throwing, he has the upside of an everyday starting second baseman at the major league level who should hit for a decent average, get on base, and show enough pop to be an option at the top of the order.
