Sent to waivers in 2023, Jacob Webb seemed to be out of major league options. But then the Orioles claimed him, and he has since become a star. Webb was taken by the Braves in the 18th round of the 2014 MLB draft by the Atlanta Braves and spent the first 8 years of his professional career there. He debuted in 2019 and helped the Braves win the 2021 World Series. In 2022, Webb was sent to Arizona and then signed with the Angels in the 2023 offseason. Despite decent numbers with the Angels, Webb was sent to waivers in early August of 2023. The Orioles claimed Webb, and he has since become a key pitcher for them and looks to become a first-time All-Star.
From Orioles Waiver Claim To Potential All-Star
The Improvements Jacob Webb Has Made
Throughout his first few years, Webb was by no means a bad pitcher. However, he was able to take the next step when he came over to the Orioles.
Webb limited the amount of walks he was giving up. In 2023, with the Angels. Webb was giving up 5.7 Walks per 9 innings (BB/9). That is a very high number and a key reason the Angels placed him on waivers. In his first 2 months with the Orioles, Webb lowered his BB/9 to 4.1. That number has dropped down to just 2.9 in 2024 and has been a key reason Webb has a minuscule 1.47 ERA as of May 14. A big reason Webb has been able to limit walks is because of the changes he made to his fastball. Webb’s average fastball velocity has dropped over two MPH this season to just 92.7 mph. This difference has added an inch of break to his fastball and helped it remain a very effective pitch.
Overall, most of Webb’s stats have seen an increase during his time with the Orioles. Especially in 2024, where he has turned himself into one of the closers for a first-place team.
Jacob Webb- The Newest Orioles All-Star?
Recently, the Orioles have had a variety of stars emerge and make the All-Star game. Adley Rutschman, Austin Hays, Felix Bautista, and Yennier Cano were all first-time All-Stars in 2023, and Gunnar Henderson is sure to be a first timer in 2024. But another emerging star who seems primed to represent the Orioles in the Midsummer Classic is Jacob Webb.
As you dive into the stats, you realize Webb is right up there with the best of the best. Webb ranks top 15 in the American League in ERA among qualified pitchers. Also, his FIP is 2.64, which places him at just 22nd in the AL, but only 0.3 behind Kirby Yates, who is in tenth. So, although Webb still seems to be clumped in with a lot of good relievers, over the next month, he has a chance to separate himself. In the past 2 weeks, Webb has picked up 2 saves, and if he continues to remain reliable, that number could continue to increase. If Webb picks up key counting stats like saves and keeps striking out batters at a solid rate, he has a real chance to put together an impressive stat line that will make it hard for voters to ignore.
Obviously, with pitchers like Mason Miller and Emmanuel Clase in the AL, Webb may have a hard time getting into the All-Star game. Especially because only 3 relievers make the game. However, his impressive numbers should not be ignored, as he has been an unsung hero for the Orioles this season.
Main Photo Credits: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
