The Orioles ain't just on a hot streak -- they're real deal World Series contenders ... so says the team's star closer Jorge Lopez, who tells TMZ Sports they could "absolutely" win it all this year.
We got the flame-throwing righty out at LAX just a couple days after he dominated in the All-Star Game ... and he said straight-up, believe in the O's in the second half of the season.
"That's the mentality," said the 29-year-old, who's already notched 17 saves with a 1.62 ERA this year. "That's the mentality we want ... Just trust the process."
Jorge Lopez….STUD pic.twitter.com/pLQXUPfevT
— Barstool Are Dee Tee (@editti22) July 20, 2022
If Lopez is right, it could cost Las Vegas sportsbooks a fortune -- 'cause when the Orioles were stumbling at the beginning of the year, some bettors got them at 2,000-to-1 odds to win the World Series.
And, according to ESPN, that means if Lopez and the Orioles are champs by the end of the year -- it could mean a seven-figure loss for some books.
Seems Lopez doesn't care much, though -- telling us he really believes in Baltimore, which currently holds a record hovering around .500.
Good morning everyone.
— Jordan Mountkatzle (@NaturallyKatz11) July 19, 2022
Jorge Lopez officially becomes an all-star tonight. pic.twitter.com/KkYe5Z2YWl https://t.co/ItL20xZcq8
There's more ... Lopez also spoke with us about his ASG experience -- and whether or not his teammate, Adley Rutschman, can ultimately beat out Mariners star Julio Rodriguez for American League Rookie of the Year honors.