5 Orioles predictions for the 2023 season

This story was excerpted from Jake Rill’s Orioles Beat publication. To learn the total publication, click on right here. And subscribe to get it recurrently in your inbox.

The finish of the yr is at all times a time to replicate. But it’s additionally a time to look forward. And after a enjoyable Orioles season in 2022, followers in Baltimore absolutely can’t wait to see what comes subsequent in ‘23.

Here are 5 Orioles predictions for the upcoming yr, and let’s come again subsequent offseason to see which got here true. (Well, except none of them do. Then we will simply neglect these existed …)

1. Grayson Rodriguez will make the Opening Day rotation — and lead O’s starters in ERA

The first a part of this prediction is far safer than the second. The 23-year-old Rodriguez (Baltimore’s No. 2 prospect and the No. 4 prospect in baseball per MLB Pipeline) was prone to attain the Majors in 2022 earlier than a proper lat pressure sidelined him for 3 months. General supervisor Mike Elias mentioned earlier this offseason that Rodriguez is “on the inside of the competition” for a rotation spot.
 
There’s nothing left for Rodriguez to show within the Minors. As lengthy as he stays wholesome in Spring Training, he ought to be among the many starters to interrupt camp with the workforce. His stuff — a four-pitch combine headlined by a high-octane fastball — will instantly play within the large leagues.

2. Félix Bautista will earn his first All-Star nod as nearer

The overpowering 6-foot-5 right-hander already has all the things wanted to turn into one among baseball’s subsequent nice closers: electrical stuff, an entrance at Camden Yards with loads of theatrics (that includes Omar’s whistle from “The Wire”) and an intimidating nickname (“The Mountain”).

After Jorge López was traded on Aug. 2, Bautista transformed 12 of his 13 save alternatives and allowed multiple run solely as soon as in 20 appearances (15 of which had been scoreless). The 27-year-old will proceed to thrive within the ninth inning in ‘23.

3. The O’s will add a giant bat on the Trade Deadline

If all goes largely effectively within the first half, the Orioles would possibly go all in as patrons on the Trade Deadline for the primary time within the Elias period. That’s after they may purchase an influence hitter to spice up their lineup (assuming it’s nonetheless a necessity at that time).

Baltimore tied for fifteenth in MLB with 171 dwelling runs this previous season. A left-handed slugger (who wouldn’t be as affected by the deeper wall in left area) may very well be the piece who takes the O’s offense — and their pursuit of the postseason — to the subsequent degree.

4. Adley Rutschman will end within the high 5 in American League MVP Award voting

Rutschman didn’t make his large league debut till May 21 and nonetheless ended up twelfth in AL MVP voting this previous season, receiving a fifth-place vote, an eighth-place vote, a ninth-place vote and three Tenth-place votes. That’s how large of an impression the 24-year-old catcher made upon his arrival in Baltimore.

With his first alternative to spend a full yr within the Majors in 2023, Rutschman ought to proceed to energy the O’s together with his bat, glove, pitch-calling capacity, management and extra. His spectacular all-around sport will make him a top-five participant within the AL.

5. The Orioles will seize an AL Wild Card berth

Due to the mix of fewer video games towards AL East opponents, the continued development of core gamers and the possible arrivals of extra high prospects, Baltimore will return to the postseason in 2023. It’s the logical subsequent step for the O’s, whose children discovered a beneficial talent in ‘22 — learn how to win.

The Orioles will end 88-74 and go on the highway for the AL Wild Card Series.