Call to the pen
Fansided

Top 5 MLB teams outperforming preseason projections

By Jonathan Northall

ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - APRIL 24: Wander Franco #5 and Manuel Margot #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrate after defeating the Houston Astros 8-3 at Tropicana Field on April 24, 2023 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - APRIL 24: Wander Franco #5 and Manuel Margot #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrate after defeating the Houston Astros 8-3 at Tropicana Field on April 24, 2023 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 18: Ryan Mountcastle #6 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with teammates after scoring in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 18, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 18: Ryan Mountcastle #6 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates with teammates after scoring in the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 18, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /

Baltimore Orioles (15-7) .682 vs .494 +.188

The Baltimore Orioles are on a seven-game winning streak and would be the hottest property in AL East if it weren’t for the record-breaking shenanigans in Tampa Bay. On offense, Ryan Mountcastle has been exemplary: 14 runs with 20 RBI and six home runs. Jorge Mateo and Austin Hays are not far behind as the Orioles continue to surprise in 2023.

Part of the success factor for the Orioles has been experienced pitcher Kyle Gibson. FanGraphs suggested that “pushing Kyle Gibson and Cole Irvin to the mid-rotation roles that better fit their talents.” Whereas Irvin has lived up to this, Gibson has delivered four wins from four starts with a 3.60 ERA. The 35-year-old is looking like $10 million well spent by the Orioles.

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