Can Baltimore Orioles Slugger Continue Success in 2024?
The 2023 Baltimore Orioles season went the way it did because multiple players found success. It wasn't a one-man show, and if that continues, the success likely will too.
Of the players who produced at a high level for the Orioles, first baseman and designated hitter Ryan Mountcastle was right up there with the best of them.
While he struggled in the first half at times, his second-half numbers were impressive. He posted an OPS of .893, compared to his .691 OPS during the first part of the year.
Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru of MLB.com questions if Mountcastle can continue producing the way that he did in the second half of the 2023 season. Sepe-Chepuru recognizes the injuries he dealt with as he was put on the injured list with vertigo.
When the slugger returned, he proved that he could be a legitimate power bat who could help this Baltimore team win a World Series. Mountcastle ended the season with a .270/.328/.452 slash line and hit 18 home runs, the third-straight season that many bombs.
As he enters the 2024 season, health will be the biggest question. When healthy, he's posted 33 and 22 home run seasons.
According to Baseball Savant, Mountcastle posted impressive advanced numbers, ranking in the 79th percentile or higher in xwOBA, xBA, xSLG, average exit velocity, barrel%, and hard-hit%.
The Orioles will need him to be at his best this season.
After winning 101 games and losing in the ALDS, their eyes are set on winning a playoff series and showing fans last season wasn't a fluke.
