As the Orioles’ lengthy rebuild nears its intended goal, the organization has grown more comfortable with pushing its prospects, particularly position players. It became commonplace in 2022 to see talented youngsters play at three different levels. Gunnar Henderson did this on his way to Baltimore, Colton Cowser worked from Aberdeen up to Norfolk, and so did a slightly lower profile player: Connor Norby.
The Orioles drafted Norby with the 41st overall pick in the 2021 draft out of East Carolina University. He was their second pick that year, following the aforementioned Cowser. The infielder came out of college with a muted skillset and dicey glovework at second base, but there was no denying his ability at the plate.