Predicting which Orioles will make the 2024 All-Star Game rosters
Next month's MLB All-Star game could feature several key Orioles.
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The Orioles are off to a tremendous start this season, with a record ranking amongst the best in MLB. This start has been anchored by stellar performances all throughout their lineup and pitching staff. Here are the five Orioles who deserve a spot on the 2024 MLB All-Star roster for their efforts as we enter June.
5 Baltimore Orioles players who deserve 2024 All-Star roster nods
Corbin Burnes has been the ace the O's were looking for
The Orioles have had some fantastic contributions from their pitching staff this season, but Corbin Burnes stands out the most. Burnes was acquired this offseason to lead the pitching staff, and he's done just that.
Burnes has been so remarkably consistent for the Orioles. He's currently on a streak of seven consecutive quality starts (at least six innings allowing three earned runs or less), and has allowed three runs or less in every single start this season. His season totals come out to a 5-2 record in 72.2 innings, with an ERA of just 2.35.
Burnes has both the name value and production of an All-Star. Unless Burnes sustains an injury or a significant decline in play, he'll be on the roster.
The Orioles' dynamic duo will be there
Gunnar Henderson
Gunnar Henderson will make the first of many All-Star appearances in 2024. Henderson has become one of the best players in baseball at just 22 years old and has cemented himself as an MVP candidate this season.
Henderson has the second most home runs in MLB with 19 (including six of the leadoff variety). He also boasts an impressive .268/.368/.591 slash line, along with Gold Glove-caliber defense. Baseball Savant has him in the 90th percentile of shortstops with three outs above average, while FanGraphs says he has five defensive runs saved already in 2024.
Sweet Escape pic.twitter.com/jGlsUrFdTn
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) June 2, 2024
Henderson's stellar play has given him the fourth-highest fWAR in baseball at 3.4. This trails only Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Bobby Witt Jr.
Adley Rutschman
Rutschman has continued to build on his fantastic start to a career with yet another great season. Rutschman has been extremely consistent for the O's, leading the team in batting average and hits. He's currently slashing .304/.342/.473, good for an OPS of .815. That mark is the second-highest of any full-time catcher in the AL.
He's also hitting for a lot more power than he did in 2023. Rutschman has already hit 10 home runs, halfway to his 2023 total. Along with his offensive production, Rutschman has continued to be a solid defender, ranking in the 98th percentile in blocks above average.
All signs are pointing towards Rutschman making his second career All-Star appearance in 2024.
These two Orioles players have flown under the radar, but should be rewarded.
Jordan Westburg
Jordan Westburg showed flashes of being a future everyday player for the O's in 2023, but he has emerged as a star in 2024. Viewed by many as a potential breakout candidate this season, Westburg has met and exceeded all expectations. Thanks to his combination of steady defense and great offense, Westburg has accumulated the 11th-highest fWAR in the MLB.
The power potential that Westburg showed in the minors has returned this season, with nine home runs and a slugging percentage of .518 in 2024. However, he's also hitting .294 with an on-base percentage over .350. These marks are all substantial improvements over his numbers in his rookie season.
Westburg has also been fantastic defensively, playing primarily third base. He has recorded four outs above average at the position, the third-highest mark in the majors. Third base is a loaded position in the AL, with players like Jose Ramirez, Rafael Devers, and Isaac Paredes all having great seasons. However, Westburg has been just as impactful in his second season.
Ryan Mountcastle
Ryan Mountcastle might not seem like he's having an All-Star caliber season, but he may be the best choice after his recent hot stretch. Mountcastle is having a very solid season, slashing .291/.330/.498 with eight home runs and 24 RBI.
He's that Ry, pal. pic.twitter.com/1Fo6C4TbtP
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) June 1, 2024
These numbers don't necessarily jump off the page, but he is towards the top of the leaderboard in several key statistics among AL first baseman. For starters, he has the highest fWAR amongst full-time first baseman in the AL (Salvador Perez is higher, but he's only played 16 games at first). He also has the highest OPS among AL first baseman, the second-highest batting average, and he's tied for the most extra base hits.
Things could change over the next month and a half, but it seems like Mountcastle, Josh Naylor of the Guardians, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays are the leading candidates to make the team at first base.
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