The Baltimore Orioles made headlines this offseason by getting prominent veterans like Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward, but they also have standout prospects. That's why the organization is making a point to use as many of them as possible at the big-league level for spring training.

Orioles manager Craig Albernaz revealed the benefit of that strategy on Saturday, via MLB.com's Jake Rill.

"They can learn so much, and that’s something that we’re encouraging all of our Minor League guys that are coming in, either just as just-in-case guys or actually get in the game," he said. "To be around big leaguers, you can learn so much by just observing."

For example, outfielder Nate George played the final four innings of Saturday's 8-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 19-year-old was the organization's No. 7-ranked prospect in 2025 and elevated from Rookie League to High-A last season after being drafted in 2024.

Fellow outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr., who was ranked No. 4 on Baltimore's prospect list last year, also played in Friday's 2-0 win over the New York Yankees and Sunday's 4-4 tie against the Detroit Tigers. The 24-year-old was a first-round pick in 2023 and got called up to Triple-A for the first time last year.

Spring training gives vital reps to all players before Opening Day, but the Orioles are also giving their best prospects invaluable experience at the highest level just by letting them in the clubhouse.

Baltimore made one of the most significant moves in franchise history by signing Alonso to a five-year, $155 million deal in December. The 31-year-old hasn't missed a beat since breaking the New York Mets' career home run record last season, as he homered both on Friday and Sunday.

Alonso's two-run shot to left on Friday provided the game's only scoring, while his solo homer to left center on Sunday gave the Orioles a 3-2 lead in the third inning. The five-time All-Star's homer on Sunday was a 411-foot blast off Tigers southpaw Konnor Pilkington.

Outfielder Hjeston Kjerstad opened the scoring against Detroit with a solo home run to right center in the top of the first before fellow outfielder Reed Trimble hit an RBI single in the second. Tigers second baseman Max Anderson then hit a two-run single to tie it in the bottom frame, and Alonso hit his homer in the top of the third.

Detroit outfielder Austin Slater tied the game again with a solo shot in the bottom frame before Orioles shortstop Jose Barrero hit an RBI double in the top of the fourth. Tigers outfielder Parker Meadows tied the game back up with an RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to end the scoring.

Up next for Baltimore is a matchup with the Atlanta Braves on Monday afternoon.