Let’s get spicy, Birdland!
If you have not read the first part of this two-part article, it is highly recommended that you do so prior to reading this one to better understand how this process works.
Click here to check out numbers 10 through six.
DISCLAIMER: THESE ARE HOT TAKES, MEANING SOME COULD LOOK DRASTIC OR DOWNRIGHT CRAZY… THAT’S THE POINT.
Without further ado, here are our top five hot takes for the Orioles 2023 season.
5. Ryan Mountcastle leads the AL in home runs
Arguably one of the most unlucky hitters of the 2022 season after a 30+ home run season in 2021, Ryan Mountcastle had just 22 homers in 2022 and would of had more if it wasn’t for the amazing Mount Waltimore in left field.
With Major League Baseball changing the regular season schedule to where the Orioles play against every team in the league, Mountcastle will be playing in more stadiums than before.
Stadiums like Tropicana Field, Yankee Stadium, Petco Park and, of course, his personal favorite, Rogers Centre, will see Mounty and his intimidating presence in the batter’s box, some for the first time.
We’re expecting a big comeback season for Mounty in 2023. We always knew he had plus power potential, and it’s time he shows it.
4. Dean Kremer earns 12+ wins and has an ERA below 3.00
Dean Kremer could be labeled as the team’s best starter in 2022. Posting a 3.23 ERA in 125 innings pitched, Kremer was someone who could give you six innings consistently each time out.
The issue Kremer had the most was that when he would take the bump, he wouldn’t get the offense and run support needed, ultimately finishing the season with an 8-7 record.
With the right offense around him and if he builds off a strong 2022 campaign, Kremer has a chance to be one of the best pitchers in the AL East next year. We predict a 12-win season with a sub-three ERA.
Kremer has high-ceiling offspeed pitches and compliments them very well with a four-seam fastball that touches 96 MPH. Using his entire repertoire and having one of the best pitch framers in baseball in Adley Rutschman, that’s called a win-win situation.
3. Connor Norby nabs the O’s second base job by the All-Star Break
The Orioles’ biggest need in 2023 is a middle infielder? Yes, believe it or not, the Orioles need a long-term solution up the middle.
Gunnar Henderson is obviously the third baseman of the near future after his amazing short stint in the majors in 2022. Jackson Holliday is the future at the shortstop position for the organization.
So, who is the second baseman of the future? While the club does have options in Adam Frazier, Ramon Urías, Jordan Westburg and Terrin Vavra, there is no set lock at the position. And the possibility of a trade still is prevalent.
Connor Norby is one of the top prospects in the Orioles system and has plus power and above average defense. The former ECU product is on the brink of being big league ready and will take that second base job by the All-Star Break.
2. Félix Bautista has a lower ERA than Zack Britton in 2016
The earned run average that Zack Britton compiled in 2016 gave him not only CY Young votes but the chance to finish 11th in AL MVP voting. His 0.54 ERA 2016 campaign is easily one of the best reliever seasons of all time.
However, current O’s closer Félix Bautista could have an even better season. After a breakout rookie 2022 season that put him in conversation of the best closer in the league, The Mountain has even more hype heading into the 2023 season.
With a four-seam fastball topping at 102 mph and a splitter sitting around 88 mph, Bautista has a chance of having an eye-opening, jaw-dropping ERA this season.
1. The Orioles win the AL East
The 2023 Orioles are going to be a good team, and we’re confident about that.
With the front office making strategic moves this offseason that filled gaps and upgraded positions of need, the Orioles have the opportunity to earn themselves a postseason spot, something they haven’t done since 2016.
Now, obviously, it won’t be easy to win the best division in baseball because the Blue Jays have the best overall roster, the Yankees are rich and have a giant in right field and the Rays always find a way to compete. However, the Orioles are going to be a 90+ win team in 2023.
With the right mix of postseason experienced veterans, young guns beginning their primes and prospects getting the call and bringing an energy in the clubhouse, the Orioles could possibly win the AL East for the first time since 2014.
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And there you have it: The Baltimore Battery’s hot takes for the 2023 Orioles season. Which of these takes did you find the most spicy?
Let us know in the comments below! And make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook and Twitter, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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