Top 3 Reasons Why The Orioles Could Win The World Series

In the world of baseball, there are perennial contenders and there are dark horses. The Baltimore Orioles, with odds ranging from +700 (FanDuel) to +1000 (BetRivers) to win the World Series, currently find themselves in the latter category. While they haven't reached the postseason since 2016, and their last World Series victory was way back in 1983, several compelling reasons indicate that the Orioles are not to be underestimated in 2023. Let's delve into the top three reasons why they could be a smart choice to win the World Series.

1. Road Warriors: Dominance Away From Baltimore

The Orioles' resurgence in 2023 can be attributed, in part, to their dominance on the road. Their overall record of 93-56 reflects their impressive performance, but it's their away record that truly stands out. 

With a stellar 48-26 record on the road, the Orioles possess the best away record in all of Major League Baseball. They've not only been winning but winning convincingly, boasting a 53-21 run line record on the road, also the best in MLB. Their offense has been relentless, averaging 5.54 runs per game in that setting, ranking fourth in the league. On the defensive side, they've held opponents to 4.27 runs per game and posted a 3.99 ERA on the road, ranking eighth and sixth best, respectively. 

Such road dominance is a vital asset for playoff success, especially considering how hostile environments get as teams get closer and closer to the World Series.

2. Bouncing Back Strong: Ability To Rebound After Losses

In a sport where resilience and mental strength are extremely important, the Orioles have excelled. 

Their 35-21 record after a loss translates to a remarkable 62.5% win percentage, second only to the Dodgers. 

This ability to quickly put losses behind them is a testament to the team's mental fortitude, a quality that becomes even more critical in the high-stakes environment of postseason play. For a relatively young team with a young core, the Orioles' capacity to rebound after setbacks could prove to be a game-changer, allowing them to maintain momentum and overcome adversity when it matters most.

3. Reliability in the Bullpen: A Key to Success

Successful playoff runs often hinge on the strength of a team's bullpen, and the Orioles have one of the most reliable ones in the league. Their bullpen boasts an impressive 3.52 ERA, the second-best in MLB, trailing only the Yankees. What sets them apart is their ability to limit home runs, a crucial factor in postseason games. 

The potential return of Felix Bautista from injury further bolsters their bullpen. Bautista, the best closer in baseball, has an astounding 8-2 record, 33 saves, and a microscopic 1.48 ERA with an astonishing 16.2 strikeouts per nine innings. His presence in late-game situations could be a game-changer, but is not guaranteed since he’s dealing with an elbow ailment.

However, this bullpen has produced without Bautista. Since August 25, the Orioles' relievers have maintained a commendable 3.35 ERA over 75.1 innings of work, making them the 10th most valuable bullpen group by fWAR in baseball, per CamdenChat.com. The Orioles have relied on a solid core of relievers, including All-Star Yennier Cano, Shintaro Fujinami, Danny Coulombe, Cionel Pérez, Jacob Webb, and DL Hall, to keep games within reach.

Taking all these records and statistics into account, the Orioles are a compelling choice to win the World Series. While the Dodgers and Braves may need to contend with each other in the National League, the Orioles have shown a remarkable ability to excel on the road, rebound after losses, and rely on a dependable bullpen in the American League. If they continue their impressive performance, the Orioles might just surprise the baseball world by capturing their first World Series championship in nearly four decades!

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