Baltimore Orioles: Dean Kremer heading to big stage in WBC

The 2022 season was a breakout campaign for the Baltimore Orioles as a whole. That is especially the case with Dean Kremer.

He had just one win in 17 appearances over parts of two seasons, a solid minor league arm who looked as though he would possibly be a back of the rotation starter in the majors. That changed this season as he finally found success, transforming into the type of pitcher that could make a be a solid addition to a contending rotation.

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer joining Team Israel for World Baseball Classic

While the Orioles and Kremer ultimately fell short of the postseason, the pitcher is going to get a chance to shine on a bigger stage. He will be joining Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic, giving them their first starting pitcher for the tournament.

Kremer has had a solid year for the resurgent Orioles. He has posted a 3.17 ERA and a 1.257 WHiP in his 119.1 innings, striking out 83 batters with 33 walks. Opponents have musted a .262/.319/.390 batting line in 488 plate appearances, a respectable showing considering that he has to navigate through the AL East.

His time in one of the more difficult divisions in the game will certainly help in the WBC as well. Team Israel is in Pool D, where they will face off against the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. They certainly have a tough road ahead of them if they look to replicate their success from 2017.

While Kremer can be a part of that success, he cannot be their top starter if Team Isreal is going to advance. He is a fine option as a second or third arm for the tournament, but they will need more firepower in the rotation. That is, unless Kremer takes another step forward.

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer is getting a chance to play on a big stage. He will be joining Team Israel for the World Baseball Classic.