Baltimore Orioles: Superlative Winners Bring Hope And Excitement

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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 24: Hunter Harvey #56 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches during the eighth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 24, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. All players across MLB will wear nicknames on their backs as well as colorful, non-traditional uniforms featuring alternate designs inspired by youth-league uniforms during Players Weekend. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Who will represent the Baltimore Orioles in the 2020 All-Star game?

“Most Likely First Time All-Star In 2020”- RHP Hunter Harvey

One of the top stories from the 2019 season was the emergence of starting pitcher John Means and his rise from middling minor league pitcher to major league All-Star. It was a bit of bummer when he didn’t make it into the game, but regardless of how Means’ career plays out, he will always be known as an All-Star.

This begs the question, who will represent the Baltimore Orioles in 2020? Based on the current talent on the roster, odds are we will see another first-timer make a trip to the Mid-Summer Classic. Will it be another pitcher?

Trey Mancini should have been an All-Star last season and if his 2019 progression continues in 2020, he will be a serious candidate. However, he’s likely to be stuck in the outfield again which means some tough competition when it comes to All-Star votes.

We’re giving this superlative to Hunter Harvey. Austin Hays also received serious consideration here, but Harvey’s electric major league debut and full season of healthy play (soreness shut him down a few innings short of his innings cap) offers significant optimism heading into 2020.

Harvey pitched just 6.1 innings, but gave up only one run on three hits. He struck out 11 with his 98 mph fastball, which hit triple digits at times. We saw Harvey work himself into trouble and escape as he overpowered opponents and held opponents hitless with his smooth curveball.

If the Orioles keep Harvey in the bullpen, there’s a real opportunity for him to develop into a reliable late-game bullpen piece, something we haven’t seen in Birdland for a while now.