The Baltimore Orioles had a remarkable season, showcasing several standout players who played a crucial role in the team’s success, as they clinched the 2023 American League East Division title with an impressive 101-win campaign. Their stellar performance has garnered them additional recognition, with three players being honored as part of the 2023 All-MLB teams presented by MGM Rewards.
Adley Rutschman, Félix Bautista, and Kyle Bradish were the standout players, each contributing significantly to the Orioles’ phenomenal season. The All-MLB Teams, initiated in 2019, aim to identify and celebrate the most outstanding players at each position across Major League Baseball. The selection process involves a combination of fan voting and assessment by a distinguished panel comprising media professionals, broadcasters, former players, and other authorities, who solely consider regular-season performance.
Rutschman, Bautista, and Bradish achieved this accolade in just their second year of the season, emphasizing their remarkable contributions. Rutschman, in particular, delivered an impeccable performance, building upon his impressive rookie year. The 25-year-old catcher was named an All-Star for the first time and received the AL Silver Slugger Award, registering impressive stats with a .277 batting average, 31 doubles, 20 home runs, and 80 RBIs in 154 games. Rutschman’s consistent performance earned him ninth place in the AL MVP Award voting, solidifying his reputation as a pivotal player in the team’s recent success.
Bautista, a first-time All-Star and recipient of the Mariano Rivera Award, was a force to be reckoned with as the team’s closer. Despite suffering an injury late in the season, the 28-year-old right-hander showcased a remarkable performance with a 1.48 ERA in 56 appearances, securing 33 saves and 110 strikeouts over 61 innings.
Joining Bautista on the All-MLB First Team was pitcher Kyle Bradish. Bradish had a stellar year, boasting a 2.83 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP in 30 starts, alongside 168 strikeouts over 168 2/3 innings. His exceptional performance landed him a spot on the All-MLB Second Team, marking one of the best seasons by an Orioles starter in recent years.
While the Orioles’ postseason journey ended in a sweep by the World Series champions, they are well-positioned for future success and are strong contenders in the fiercely competitive AL East. Despite Bautista’s expected absence in the 2024 season due to injury, the Orioles have made strategic moves, including signing seasoned veteran Craig Kimbrel as a replacement closer. Furthermore, the return of talented young players such as Rutschman and Bradish signifies a bright future for the team, drawing anticipation for an optimistic season ahead.
