As we approach the end of February, we have come to the time when spring training has reached exhibition play.
The season is fast approaching, and there are questions that Birdland is curious to find answers to. With that in mind, we here at The Baltimore Battery have come forth to help shed some light on a few of these questions, submitted by our followers on social media.
So without further ado, let’s jump right in and see what’s on Birdland’s mind.
1.) What are the realistic expectations for Jackson Holliday, Grayson Rodriguez, and Heston Kjerstad? I know they aren’t the most important players on the roster (except Grayson), but if they all have good enough seasons, the roster looks a lot better. – @BAL_Os_funk via X
Of the three, I think Holliday probably has the highest of expectations, to be honest.
Being the top pick, top prospect and the son of a former major leaguer, who was one of the best players of his time, the expectations are massive for the youngster.
Realistically, I can see Holliday having a season with 10-15 home runs, about 70 RBIs and double digit stolen bases. He has the potential to be a top of the order table-setter if he performs the way we all think he can.
His defense will transition nicely at second base, and he could provide some stability for a position that has had a carousel of players come through over the last six or so years.
As for Kjerstad, if he gets the opportunity, which Brandon Hyde said he would, he could be the biggest surprise of the three. He has 20-30-home-run potential, is a line drive hitter and can be a strong middle of the order bat. His defense must improve, but it’s his offense that we all will be looking for.
Finally, Grayson Rodriguez has proven he is capable of being a top starter in the league.
Last year, he pitched and won a game when taking the mound a day after a loss eight times. Realistically, he has the potential to be a 15-18-game winner who can be a sneaky Cy Young candidate.
2.) If Zach Eflin pitches well in the first half of the season and right after the All-Star Game, do you approach him for a possible extension? Or, do you hold money for a starter like Dylan Cease, Zac Gallen and/or Michael King in the offseason? – @LUNCHBOX_429 via X
Zach Eflin ended up being one of the best trade deadline acquisitions in the league last season. Many people were not expecting Mike Elias to pull off this trade or even knew he was a possible piece.
Eflin is the type of pitcher who will throw strikes and keep your defense on its toes. He will strike out a decent amount of hitters, but he pitches to contact and provides you valuable innings.
If he continues to pitch effectively and provide the veteran presence needed for this rotation, I can see a two or three-year deal being offered to him at the end of the season.
Some factors such as Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells returning and how they pitch, Dean Kremer pitching well and Grayson Rodriguez taking the next step could define the approach to starting pitching not only at the trade deadline but next offseason as well.
3.) Is Grayson Rodriguez going to be the No. 1 guy like we all expect or an injury-prone player? – @Unholy_One47 via X
Rodriguez’s first two years in the majors have resulted in him missing significant time in both seasons.
While his minor league career showed he was durable, except his second to last minors season, the track record would sway away from him being injury-prone.
As stated above, Rodriguez was responsible for a victory in eight games after a loss last season and had 11 quality starts in 20 games. He limited the damage and pitched into the sixth inning in 15 of his 20 starts last season.
Rodriguez also lowered his batting average against, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and WHIP last season. He threw fewer pitches per inning and per at-bats while increasing both his strikeouts and walks per nine innings.
The visual and the stats prove that he is capable of handling the front-line starter duties and being everything the hype indicated when he arrived. I think we see a break out year from Rodriguez this season, as he cements his position as the ace of the staff.
4.) Do you think the Orioles trade Heston Kjerstad for a starting pitcher before the trade deadline? It seems to me that with Tyler Wells, Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers starting on the IL, it could be detrimental if they don’t. – @Cowboys69420 via X
Kjerstad has been the talk of trades for the majority of his young career. This shows there is upside to his talent, and at his age, he might fit in elsewhere.
I honestly don’t think Kjerstad would headline a trade himself, but he could be included in a package for a starter. I only think that happens if Eflin or Rodriguez develop a long-term injury.
Hyde and Elias are very high on Kjerstad, and his emergence could dictate a lot of how the outfield is shaped in the future.
5.) Is Cedric Mullins on the hot seat? – @Troy_Humphries via X
Mullins is in a contract year, so I do not see him as much as being on the hot seat but as in a situation in which he is playing for his future.
The Orioles have shown they are willing to let players go for the ability of younger players to get their opportunities. With Enrique Bradfield Jr. growing and showing his ability to handle center field, Mullins may find himself traded before the end of the season, allowing EBJ the chance to win the center spot next season.
Fellow Battery writer Zack Bucklew and I both have said that we believe Mullins is traded this year. That would allow Colton Cowser an opportunity to play center field, as well as other depth pieces like Dylan Carlson and Ramón Laureano the chance to fill in as well.
Mullins has been going down hill offensively the last two seasons, though injuries have played a part. Unfortunately, I do not see Mullins as a part of the team after this season.
6.) If Cade Povich makes the starting rotation, do the O’s go with a six-man rotation, or who is the odd man out? – @BaseballBemE via X
Povich proved last September that Elias was right in making him a focal point in the Jorge Lopéz trade.
Slim pitched to a 2.60 ERA, going 2-2 across five starts in September. The experience of his rookie season will be valuable in his growth, but it will be a long shot for him to make the rotation out of camp.
Rodriguez, Eflin, Sugano and Morton are likely to be the top four starters, with Dean Kremer, Albert Suárez and Povich trying to secure the fifth spot. Kremer probably has the inside track based on his track record, and the original plan for Suárez before Trevor Rogers’ injury was to have him prepare for the bullpen as a long reliever/swing starter.
Plus, Suárez is out of minor league options, so unless he gets injured in spring training or flat out pitches poorly, he is almost guaranteed a spot on the 26-man roster.
This edition of Battery Q&A had more questions submitted than in any other edition, and we expanded the amount of questions because there were so many strong ones submitted this time around. We hope we provided some insight and answers to some of the most pressing questions that are on Birdland’s mind.
Keep your eyes peeled for the next edition of Battery Q&A, where your question could be featured in the article. We want to thank everyone for their participation and submissions and hope you enjoyed this edition.
Do you agree or disagree with our responses? What are your thoughts and curiosities coming out of spring training? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter (X) and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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