One of the rising stars within the Baltimore Orioles roster has distinguished himself, emerging as one of their primary contributors in his inaugural full season. Jordan Westburg, selected as the 30th pick in the 2020 draft by the Orioles, has proven to be a game-changer for the team. Following his promotion in late June of the 2023 season, Westburg demonstrated a solid .260 batting average across 68 games.
However, in 2024, Westburg has elevated his performance, boasting a .291 batting average in his initial 51 games. Yet, it’s not merely his batting average that has evolved; nearly all his statistical metrics have experienced an upturn in fewer appearances. Jordan Westburg has ascended to prominence within the Orioles’ lineup and appears set to secure his role as the team’s starting third baseman for the foreseeable future.
Jordan Westburg Cementing Himself as Orioles’ Future Third Baseman
JORDAN WESTBURG AND THE ORIOLES WALK IT OFF! pic.twitter.com/xOWoOS2Ny7
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 2, 2024
The prevailing narrative surrounding Jordan Westburg this season is his consistent production, and indeed, this holds true. Westburg has contributed across the board for the Orioles, ranking second on the team in RBI with 38. Additionally, his nine home runs place him third in the team’s statistics. Westburg has exemplified reliability for the Orioles, consistently delivering when the team requires a spark. Notably, he has secured two walk-off victories this year, one of which was a game-winning home run on April 1st.
The Analytical Side
When delving into advanced statistics, they underscore that Westburg hasn’t just excelled within the Orioles’ roster but has stood out among the league’s top performers.
His Batting Run Value of 18 places him in the 96th percentile of MLB hitters, highlighting his exceptional impact. Moreover, his wOBA stands at an impressive .373, ranking him among the top 10 percent of all major leaguers in this metric. A significant factor contributing to Westburg’s success is his consistent ability to make solid contact with the ball. With an average exit velocity of 92.5 MPH and a hard-hit percentage of 50%, he consistently drives the ball with authority. Throughout the season, Westburg has consistently launched powerful hits, solidifying his status as an elite player.
Not Just a Hitter
Potential All-Star Starter
Based on his impressive performance, Jordan Westburg has not only earned a spot in the All-Star Game but also stands out as one of the premier third basemen in the entire American League. Leading AL third basemen with a 2.2 fWAR and a .508 slugging percentage, Westburg has showcased his exceptional offensive capabilities. While his offensive statistics closely mirror those of Isaac Paredes of the Rays, Westburg’s positive defensive contributions set him apart, especially considering Paredes’ defensive shortcomings. With his stellar all-around performance, Westburg has positioned himself as a strong candidate for a starting role in the Midsummer Classic. If he maintains this level of play, he stands a good chance of earning the starting nod.
Last Thoughts
Jordan Westburg has undoubtedly solidified his position as a cornerstone of the Orioles’ future. His exceptional hitting prowess, coupled with his ability to deliver in clutch situations, endow him with qualities that are rare among players. While his career is still in its early stages, it holds promise for significant success, likely with the Orioles.
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