One of the many up-and-coming Baltimore Orioles has separated himself from the rest, becoming one of their top run producers in his first full season. Jordan Westburg, the 30th pick in the 2020 draft by the Orioles, has become a difference-maker for the squad. After getting called up in late June of the 2023 season, Westburg put up a respectable .260 batting average in 68 games. But in 2024, Westburg has taken it up a notch, posting a .291 batting average in his first 51 games. However, it is more than just the average that has changed for Westburg. Almost all his counting stats have seen an increase so far, in fewer games. Jordan Westburg has become a top player for the Orioles and should have his status as their starting third baseman locked down for the foreseeable future.
Jordan Westburg Cementing Himself as Orioles’ Future Third Baseman
The common theme surrounding Jordan Westburg this season is that he has continuously produced. That could not be more true of a statement. Westburg has done a little bit of everything for the Orioles. He is second on the team in RBI with 38. Also, he has mashed nine homers, which is good for third on the team. Westburg has been a model of consistency for the Orioles, always providing a jolt when needed. Specifically, he has two walk-offs this year, including a walk-off homer on April 1.
JORDAN WESTBURG AND THE ORIOLES WALK IT OFF! pic.twitter.com/xOWoOS2Ny7
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 2, 2024
The Analytical Side
When looking at advanced stats, they show that Westburg has not only been one of the best players for the Orioles, but one of the best players in the league. He has provided a Batting Run Value of 18, which is in the 96th percentile of MLB hitters. Also, his wOBA is an astounding .373, which is in the top 10 percent of all major leaguers. A big reason Westburg has been so good is because he has consistently hit the ball hard. He has an average exit velocity of 92.5 MPH and a hard-hit percentage of 50%. Westburg has been hitting rockets all season long, which has helped him become elite.
Not Just a Hitter
Jordan Westburg has been more than just an excellent hitter for the Orioles, he has also provided an excellent glove at third base. He has 3 outs above average, which places him in the top 10 percent of the entire league. Also, in 74 chances, Westburg has yet to make an error. Having Westburg, an elite defender playing the hot corner beside Gunnar Henderson, an incredible defender and player at shortstop, is something very few teams have. It may give Orioles fans flashbacks to the days of J.J. Hardy and Manny Machado commanding the left side of the infield. If Westburg can continue his superb defensive play, on top of his outstanding hitting, he has the tools to become an Oriole legend.
Potential All-Star Starter
With the numbers Westburg has produced, he certainly deserves to be an All-Star. But he has been more than that–Westburg has been one of the best third basemen in the entire American League. He deserves a chance to start the Midsummer Classic. He leads AL third basemen with a 2.2 fWAR and a .508 slugging percentage. Westburg and Isaac Paredes of the Rays have near-identical offensive stats. However, Westburg’s positive defensive contributions should give him the edge over Paredes, who is a negative defender. Westburg has laid the groundwork for a possible start, and if he keeps up his play, he may get the nod.
Last Thoughts
Jordan Westburg appears to have cemented himself as a key part of the Orioles’ future. His incredible hitting combined with his clutchness give him tangibles not many players possess. His career is just getting started, but it is poised to be a very successful one, presumptively with the Orioles.
Photo Credit: © Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
