Baltimore Orioles outfield prospect Vance Honeycutt has hit three home runs in his first three Grapefruit League at-bats during Spring Training. The 22-year-old, selected in the first round of the 2024 draft, is tied for the MLB spring lead with these exhibition performances in Sarasota, Florida. Despite a modest minor league batting average of .172, Honeycutt credits offseason improvements for his hot start.
Vance Honeycutt, who ended the 2025 season as the Orioles' No. 15 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, joined big league camp as an extra player from minor league camp. In his limited appearances, he has gone 3-for-3 with all hits being home runs, occurring over three games at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota.
The first came on Monday, a two-run homer off Braves minor league left-hander Jacob Kroeger. Honeycutt noted the blustery conditions aided the ball, saying, “That’s a favorable wind. So just get the ball in the air a little bit.” On Wednesday, he slugged a Statcast-projected 410-foot blast to center field against Rays minor league right-hander Derrick Edington. His third homer followed on Saturday, a shot to left off Atlanta right-hander Sean Reid-Foley, a seven-year MLB veteran.
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz reacted positively: “Three hits, three homers? I like that.” Honeycutt, reflecting on his approach, smiled and said, “No, I’m not [trying to hit home runs]. I’m just trying to be early, work in the middle of the field and, just honestly, just try to put a good swing on a pitch that I want to hit. That’s probably the main thing, and just continuing to try to do that over and over again.”
This strong start contrasts with Honeycutt's 2025 performance at High-A Aberdeen, where he hit .171 with 12 doubles, six triples, five homers, 24 RBIs, and a .559 OPS in 101 games. He played solid defense, with his glove considered his best tool, though his bat was expected to power him to the majors. Honeycutt spent the offseason getting “stronger [and] faster” and making mechanical adjustments to his swing.
He dismissed challenges at pitcher-friendly Ripken Stadium, stating, “I’m not really focused on that. Control what I can control and let the rest play out.” With Frederick returning as the High-A affiliate and Aberdeen joining the MLB Draft League, Honeycutt could start the season there or at Double-A Chesapeake. As an extra player, he benefits from morning workouts and drills with MLB coaches. Honeycutt added, “Last year was tough, and it’s a new year, new me. I’m excited about it.” He also said, “I wasn’t putting too much pressure on myself in Spring Training or anything like that, but I just did a lot of good work in the offseason, and I was just excited to get out here and see some pitching and get some at-bats and see what I could do. Working with the coaches over here, it’s great. You get some extra knowledge and some tips that you might not get otherwise.”
Honeycutt previously hit an inside-the-park home run at Ed Smith Stadium during the 2025 Spring Breakout game.
