‘Four Different Stories’: Orioles’ All-Stars Shine in Seattle

For the first time since 2016, the Orioles had multiple players selected to the American League All-Star team. The four players – Félix Bautista, Yennier Cano, Austin Hays, and Adley Rutschman – each had a different path to Seattle, but if one thing is certain, it is that they all deserved to be there.

“All four of these guys are four different stories,” said Orioles Manager Brandon Hyde. “That’s the coolest thing. For them to all experience their first All-Star Game and the stories they have, a lot of people have put a lot of work in, and it’s a credit to them.”

Félix Bautista

In July 2021, Félix Bautista was a 26-year-old pitching for the Double-A Bowie Baysox, still waiting for the opportunity to make it to Triple-A. Fast forward two years later, Bautista is an All-Star and one of the most dominant closers in Major League Baseball.

A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Bautista grew up playing baseball, dreaming of being the person who was called out of the bullpen with the game on the line, becoming the person the team trusted the most to secure the win. Last year, that dream started to become a reality. He made his first career Opening Day roster coming out of Spring Training, and in August, he became the team’s closer. Now, he runs onto the field with Omar’s whistle, from hit Baltimore show The Wire, playing in the background, officially declaring it “Mountain Time.”

Bautista finished the 2022 season with 15 saves in 17 opportunities and has picked up right where he left off this year. Through the team’s first 89 games, Bautista has recorded 23 saves, the fifth-most in Major League Baseball. He has struck out 82 batters in 42.0 innings pitched, earning AL Reliever of the Month honors in both April and June.

Bautista knows more than anyone that a lot can change over time. Two years ago, there were people who did not know his name. But “The Mountain” has proven himself to be one of the best closers in Major League Baseball and he will forever be an All-Star.

Yennier Cano

Yennier Cano’s All-Star season started when his son, Cristopher, was born on March 7, 2023.

Before Cristopher was born, Cano’s entire life was centered around baseball. He was willing to do whatever it took to make it to the Major Leagues, even when that meant leaving his hometown in Cuba, giving up baseball for a year, and moving to three different countries before finding the place he would call home.

It was not until 2019 that things finally began to fall in place for Cano. He was finally free to play the game he loved, and the Minnesota Twins had signed him to a minor league contract. But as it turns out, the challenges weren’t over yet. Cano made his Major League debut with the Twins on May 11 vs. Houston, allowing three runs in 2.1 innings. He would go on to make 10 appearances for Minnesota, pitching to a 9.22 ERA (14 ER/13.2 IP) before being traded to the Orioles on August 2.

After joining the Orioles, Cano made three appearances, allowing nine runs in 4.1 innings. He knew he could be better, and he came to Spring Training earlier this year with the goal of showing the team the pitcher he knew he could be. In his first two outings, Cano allowed four runs over 1.2 innings, then, Cristopher was born.

Cano made his first appearance since becoming a dad on March 12, allowing one hit over 1.0 scoreless inning. He went on to make four more appearances this spring, throwing a combined 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out four. He didn’t break camp with the team but was called up from Triple-A Norfolk on April 14, and hasn’t looked back, establishing himself as one of the best relievers in the game. One thing will always be true – Cristopher Cano’s dad is an All-Star.

Austin Hays

The Orioles drafted Austin Hays in the third round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft. One year later, the outfielder from Jacksonville University made his Major League debut and has been a staple in the O’s organization ever since.

Through the ups and downs, Hays has been a constant and continues to be a cornerstone of the Orioles' success. He brings a veteran presence, leading the younger players, while being a consistent performer at the plate and in the field.

There was never question as to whether Hays had the ability to compete in the majors, but injuries hampered his playing time, limiting him to 21 games in 2019, 33 games in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, and 131 games in 2021. Last year marked Hays’ first full season, and while he played injured at times, it only proved how much he cared.

Those close to Hays always knew how talented of a player he was, they were just waiting for everyone else to notice as well. And now, that time has come.

Adley Rutschman

There was never a doubt that Adley Rutschman would be a star. The first overall pick of the 2019 First-Year Play Draft, Rutschman has been one of the most impactful players in Major League Baseball since making his debut on May 21, 2022, helping lead the Orioles to a 121-90 record, the fourth-best in the majors during that span.

In a little over a year. Rutschman has already established himself as one of the best catchers in baseball. At the time of the All-Star Break, Rutschman ranked first among all catchers in walks (55) and hits (89), tied for first in games played (86) and runs scored (44), third in OBP (.376), tied for fifth in home runs (12), and sixth RBI (39).

His success comes as no surprise to those who know him best. He was practically born with baseball in his blood – his grandpa is a well-known collegiate coach in Oregon, and his dad a successful college catcher and coach. Growing up, Rutschman’s family vacations were spent following his dad’s team to their tournaments and watching their games and his nights were spent hitting batting practice off his dad, always asking for one more pitch.

It wasn’t until he was older that Rutschman started to believe what everyone else around him seemed to already know, his future in the game was bright. When it comes to Rutschman, the question has never been whether he would be an All-Star, it was how many All-Star appearances he would make throughout his career. A little over a year into his Major League career, it is already time to start counting.