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Ryan Mountcastle 2023 MLB Player Outlook: Solid Option Hampered By Home Ballpark
2 years agoAfter hitting 33 homers in his first full season with the Orioles in 2021, it's fair to say no one suffered more from the Orioles' left-field alterations than Ryan Mountcastle. In 145 games last year, Mountcastle had 22 homers, 85 RBI, 62 runs and four stolen bases while hitting .250/.305/.423. His numbers were very similar to 2021 with the exception of the drop-in homers and his .423 SLG (dropping from .487). He had a 27.6 xHR total and would've hit 40 home runs if he played exclusively in Great American Ball Park last year but only 23 homers at Orioles Park. Mountcastle's contact numbers were excellent in 2022, ranking in the 94th percentile for Barrel% (15.0%), 96th percentile for xSLG (.509) and 93rd percentile for xwOBA (.362). Of his 22 homers, 12 were hit to center (five) or left (seven) field so his ability to hit for power the opposite way will help some at home. Mountcastle's 25.3% K% and 7.1% BB% mean he's less valuable in points leagues than in standard leagues. But with an improving Orioles lineup and still only 26 years old come Opening Day, Mountcastle should be able to provide value on his ADP (~159) with the chance to take another step forward in his blossoming career.
