Orioles closer Felix Bautista has struck out a ridiculous amount of hitters this year, more than any starter on multiple teams in the MLB.
The Orioles have taken the MLB world by storm across the second half of 2022 and the first half of 2023. They currently have one of the best records in the MLB and they're on pace to win over 100 games this year. This is due to how talented and well-rounded their roster is. From the lineup to the rotation, to the bullpen, they are loaded with talent.
But no position provides as much separation from the rest of the league like the O's closer, Felix Bautista. Bautista has been incredible for Baltimore, converting his last six saves. His most impressive feature this season has definitely been his ability to strike batters out.
Felix Bautista is striking out more than some MLB teams' starters
On the year, Bautista has more strikeouts than any starting pitchers on the Royals, Guardians, Rockies and Athletics. Bautista has struck out 66 batters in just over 30 innings, good for over two strikeouts an inning. His 18+ K/9 is a ridiculous pace that is otherworldly, even to the league's biggest strikeout machines.
The Rockies strikeout leader, Kyle Freeland (50 Ks, 80 IP) has thrown 50 more innings than the Orioles closer but trails him by 16 strikeouts. These statistics continue for multiple teams in the league.
The Guardians Shane Bieber leads Cleveland in strikeouts (64 Ks, 87.2 IP) but still trails Bautista by a few punchouts. In 2020, Bieber had a 14.2 K/9 on his way to the AL Cy Young. Today, he trails a reliever in strikeouts, with nearly triple the innings.
The Royals are led by the struggling starter, Brady Singer (60 Ks, 64.1 IP) who is almost striking out a batter per inning. Singer still trails Bautista by a few strikeouts, even after making 13 starts this year.
The Athletics lefty JP Sears (65 Ks, 69.1 IP) has thrown nearly 70 innings but is still a strikeout behind the elite closer.
These kind of strikeout numbers are unprecedented statistics that may never be topped before. Felix Bautista has the real chance to strikeout 2 batters per inning for a full season.
