Orioles promote UNC standout Vance Honeycutt to Double-A
Baltimore Orioles have elevated 23-year-old outfielder Vance Honeycutt to Double-A, marking a significant step in his professional development following a decorated collegiate career at the University of North Carolina.
The Baltimore Orioles have promoted outfielder Vance Honeycutt to the Double-A Chesapeake Baysox, the club announced on Monday morning. The move places the 23-year-old in his first season at the Double-A level, advancing him from High-A Frederick where he spent the current campaign.
Honeycutt, selected 22nd overall by the Orioles in the first round of the 2024 MLB Draft, is in his second full professional season. His professional trajectory includes a stint with the Aberdeen Ironbirds in 2025 before his current tenure with the Frederick Keys. The promotion follows a productive season in which he contributed to the Keys securing the South Atlantic League North Division Title.
During his 63 games with Frederick, Honeycutt recorded 10 home runs, 31 runs batted in, and 28 stolen bases. He finished the season with a .644 on-base plus slugging percentage, despite batting just .182 for the aggregate average. The Orioles highlighted his power potential, noting he hit four home runs in his first five at-bats during Spring Training.
Honeycutt’s arrival in professional baseball followed a highly decorated career at the University of North Carolina. He was a two-time ACC Defensive Player of the Year, winning the award in consecutive seasons in 2023 and 2024. He remains the only player in Power Four conferences to conclude his collegiate career with more than 60 home runs and 70 stolen bases, finishing with 65 homers and 76 steals.
In 2024, Honeycutt led North Carolina to its 12th College World Series appearance, delivering a walk-off hit in the tournament opener against Virginia. His selection contributed to a strong draft class for the Tar Heels, who saw seven players chosen in the 2024 MLB Draft.
