Led by promising hitters such as Adley Rutschman, Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins, and Ryan Mountcastle, the Orioles are proving to be a team to watch out for. Although they’ve faced some setbacks with ace John Means hitting the IL with an arm strain, Kyle Gibson and Dean Kremer have stepped up in his absence.
With -125 odds to make the playoffs and +950 odds to win the American League East, it’s worth taking a closer look at this up-and-coming team.
Baltimore Orioles Strengths
The Orioles have a number of strengths, including:
- A strong pitching staff led by Kyle Gibson and Dean Kremer.
- A number of young, promising hitters, including Adley Rutschman, Austin Hays, Cedric Mullins, and Ryan Mountcastle.
- The Bullpen is currently the best in the American League.
Baltimore Orioles Weaknesses
The Orioles also have a number of weaknesses, including:
- The Orioles starting rotation is 12th in the American League.
- Closer Felix Bautista has blown four saves already this season.
- The Orioles defense is ranked 14th in the American League.
Baltimore Orioles Inside Look
Losing Means was tough, but Gibson (6-3), Kremer (5-2), and Tyler Wells (3-1) have all exceeded expectations. Grayson Rodriguez, a rookie, has the most strikeouts for Baltimore, but he was sent down to AAA to work on his control. Although the rest of the rotation has WHIPs above 1.30, if Means returns, the Orioles’ pitching staff could become one of the best in the American League.
Tyler Wells is a dawg. pic.twitter.com/glZkoCZfKr
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) May 14, 2023
The Orioles bullpen has been exceptional and leads the American League with a 3.7 WAR. Danny Coulumbe and Yenier Cano have been outstanding, and Bautista has had some blown saves, but he remains the closer for the foreseeable future.
The Félix Express pic.twitter.com/DkzHaKcblX
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) May 28, 2023
The Orioles offense has been impressive this season, ranking 4th in the American League for runs scored and 6th in WAR. Mullins leads the team in WAR (1.7), followed by Rutschman, Hays, and Jorge Mateo. Mountcastle has hit the most home runs (11) for Baltimore, and Mullins leads the team in RBIs with 39.
Can the Baltimore Orioles Reach the Postseason?
It seems like the price of -125 for Baltimore to reach the playoffs is the best one available. However, it might be too expensive to pay. Although Baltimore has played really well so far, the question is whether they can keep up this level of play for the rest of the season.
While Gibson, Wells, and Kremer have done an excellent job, their ERAs might not be sustainable based on their xFIP. This could mean regression at some point. Means’ return should be helpful, but both the bullpen and the starting rotation have some uncertainties, especially with regards to luck as suggested by the high xFIP numbers.
The offense has been impressive, but it remains to be seen if they can keep up their momentum during the summer. They are a young group, after all. Baltimore has a dynamic offense, leading the American League in walks and ranking 12th in strikeouts.
They also have a solid number of stolen bases, with 45 to their name. Additionally, they have plenty of power and rank sixth in WAR.
While it is likely that the Orioles will make it to the playoffs, the -125 price tag might not be worth it in this betting market.
