Baltimore Orioles: Stock up, stock down
At 50-35, the Baltimore Orioles find themselves five games out of first place in the American League East division but leading the wild-card chase. Ranked 11th in the MLB in runs scored, the Orioles have struggled with starting pitching in 2023. Thanks to a great bullpen they have been able to limit the damage and keep the team in games while the O's fight their way back into games.
Here are the Orioles who have improved their stock the most and the ones who have seen it drop in 2023.
Stock up
Tyler Wells, pitcher: After a solid 2022 season, Wells has been a breakout star for the Orioles and the only reliable starting pitching option they have had in 2023.
With a record of 6-4, Wells has a 3.19 ERA while allowing opposing hitters to bat .188 against him. A team starved for starting pitching, Wells is leading the MLB with a 0.90 WHIP.
Wells has struggled with the long ball, allowing the second most in the MLB with 21 and one ahead of his teammate Dean Kramer who has allowed 20. But has limited the damage allowed in all other aspects.
The Orioles will need his strong pitching to continue to stay in the playoff hunt while battling it out in the toughest division in baseball.
Austin Hays, outfielder: After making only 74 appearances over his first three seasons in the MLB, Hays is looking like one of the more complete outfielders in the majors in 2023.
After averaging 138 games with a .253 average, 19 home runs and 66 RBI over the past two seasons Hays has made his first All-Star team this season. With a .312 average to go with eight home runs and 34 RBI while playing outstanding defense in left field for Baltimore.
Hays will look to continue his All-Star play in the second half of 2023.
Stock down
Starting pitching: Other than Wells and Kyle Bradish, the Orioles' pitching staff has been one of the worst in baseball. Top prospect Grayson Rodriguez posted a 7.35 ERA over his ten starts, leading to his demotion to Triple-A. With Kramer and pitcher Kyle Gibson giving up 106 runs combined in 2023.
With the bullpen able to put up zeros consistently, the starting pitching hasn't looked as bad as they are actually playing but will need to improve to not get exposed when playoff time rolls around.
If Rodriguez ever manages to figure it out, the Orioles would be getting a major boost to their playoff hunt as they look to turn it around in the second half.
Jorge Mateo, shortstop: After a blazing start to his season, Mateo has gone on a massive cold streak. Hitting .333 with six home runs and 16 RBI during April he has followed that up by hitting below .200 in each of the past two months.
After hitting six home runs in the first month of the season, Mateo hasn't hit one since April 30. With rookie Gunnar Henderson considered the shortstop of the future, there was once hope earlier this season that Mateo would be good enough to force Henderson to stay at third base.
But with his struggles being so massive, Mateo could be playing each day for his job.
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