After making his full-season debut in 2015 at age 18, Orioles third base prospect Jomar Reyes is turning heads at High-A Frederick as the youngest player in the Carolina League. At Frederick's media day earlier this month, the power-hitting prospect — via the translation of Keys field coach Ramon Sambo — spoke to reporters about his background in baseball in the Dominican Republic, where he sees his future in the field and how he changed his body this offseason. [Edited for content and clarity]

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When you were signed by the Orioles in 2014, what was that day like for you?

It really felt so good because of all the work I did to try to be a professional. When that day came, it was unbelievable. All of my goals, and my dad's, to sign and be a professional, they came true. It was unbelievable.

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How did you become a baseball player?

My dad [Jose] saw on TV that a lot of players were making a lot of money, and he said: “You better be a ballplayer. That way, you can make some money.” [laughs]

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When did you begin at third base?

My dad saw me playing outfield, and he saw every time my team struck someone out they threw the ball to third base. My dad wanted me to field the ball when the ball was thrown around. ... So they put me at third base. That way when somebody struck out, they'd throw it to me.

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Is that where you ultimately see yourself playing?

I feel third base [is]. If there's going to be another position, it's going to be outfield, not first base.

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We've heard about the hard work you put in this offseason to reshape your body. Can you tell us about that?

It was a lot of work, doing a lot of cardio and eating right. I've never felt my best before. It was just a lot of hard work. … I went from 270 pounds to 240 pounds.

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How is that going to help this year?

I feel good right now, but if I lose five or 10 more pounds, I'll feel a lot better.

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What personal goals have you set for yourself this season?

The goal is to be better than last year —; that everything hopefully goes better than last year. Also, I want to make the All-Star Game for this league and the Futures Game.

—?Jon Meoli