Over the past few seasons, the Orioles have witnessed numerous rookies making their debuts. National acclaim surrounded Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jackson Holliday, while Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad also contributed positively to Birdland’s excitement.
Inheriting Grayson Rodriguez and DL Hall, Mike Elias has not yet selected a pitcher high in the draft. The current management secured Kyle Bradish in a trade that sent Dylan Bundy to Los Angeles, although most of the prospect excitement has centered around hitters.
As Baltimore stepped into 2024, two pitching prospects were anticipated to make their debuts during the season. At the year’s start, Cade Povich and Chayce McDermott were viewed similarly, though Povich ultimately had a significantly larger impact with the Orioles.
Injuries to Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells amplified the demand for starters in Baltimore. Albert Suárez quickly became one of the standout stories of 2024, yet the Orioles continued to seek assistance. Povich made his debut on June 6, going on to start 16 games for the team.
During his initial outing in Toronto, Povich encountered difficulties, but he bounced back to deliver an impressive six-inning performance against the Braves during his debut at Camden Yards. He yielded five hits, struck out six batters, and didn’t issue a walk, showcasing his considerable potential.
At 24 years old, Povich had a season befitting a mid-level pitching prospect. He walked five hitters but permitted only a single run in his first start at Yankee Stadium. In a home start in July, he walked five Yankees but made adjustments that allowed him to avoid walks in his subsequent two outings. Following a poor performance against Oakland, he totally dominated the White Sox. He pitched into the seventh inning against Boston, although the Dodgers easily took him down.
Povich’s results fluctuated as he sought to establish himself. He was optioned on July 13, but on July 29, he returned to start the second game of a doubleheader. After that game, he returned to Norfolk but came back to the O’s for good on August 17.
Though Povich exhibited signs of a rookie, he seemed to find his groove near the end of the season. He faced the formidable Tigers in back-to-back games on September 15 and September 21. Each game featured five-inning outings during which he allowed just two hits and two earned runs. Povich struck out eight batters in Detroit and fanned seven Tigers during the home game. He concluded the season with 5.2 scoreless innings against the Twins.
The Orioles included Povich on their postseason roster, but the lefty did not see action during the shortened playoff stint.
Finishing the year with 79.2 innings pitched, Povich recorded a 5.20 ERA, a 1.431 WHIP, 69 strikeouts, and 34 walks. His FIP was slightly lower at 4.79, but his 72 ERA+ was significantly below average. He concluded the season with a record of 3-9.
Utilizing a five-pitch repertoire, Povich nevertheless relied heavily on his four-seam fastball, throwing it 40% of the time. He averaged a modest 92.4 MPH with his fastball, meaning location was vital to his success. The Orioles are making considerable strides in their analytics department, but expectations for Povich to hit the 98 MPH mark next season should be tempered. Effective pitch placement will be crucial as he advances in his career.
As the Orioles may potentially lose Corbin Burnes to free agency, and with Bradish expected to miss a significant part of the year, Baltimore will aim to fix Trevor Rogers. Meanwhile, McDermott is likely to become relevant at some point, but Povich enters spring training with a strong opportunity to reclaim a spot in the rotation.
Povich aims to enhance his pitch location and reduce his walk rate during his second year. He will also strive to improve the performance of his curveball. This pitch, seen as his best offspeed offering, was thrown 19% of the time last season, yet batters hit .333 against it with a hard-hit percentage of 42.2. Greater control should help transform this pitch into a valuable weapon against major league hitters.
While Povich may not generate excitement with his velocity, there remains a place in this league for finesse left-handers. He has the potential to offer valuable pitching depth for years, with the possibility of evolving into a solid fourth or fifth starter.
Previous 2024 player reviews: Keegan Akin, Cionel Pérez, Cole Irvin, Ryan O’Hearn, Craig Kimbrel
Tomorrow: Eloy Jiménez/Austin Slater/Emmanuel Rivera
Assessing Cade Povich’s Rookie Season: Promising Potential Amidst Challenges for the Orioles
Overview of Cade Povich’s Rookie Season
Cade Povich made his highly anticipated debut with the Baltimore Orioles during the 2023 MLB season. As a pitching prospect who was previously a standout at the University of Nebraska, Povich’s transition to the professional level was closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. His performance in his rookie season has shown both promise and challenges, making him one of the key players to watch in the Orioles’ rebuilding strategy.
Statistical Breakdown
Understanding Povich’s performance through statistics is crucial for evaluating his potential. Below is a summary of his key statistics from the 2023 season:
| Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Games Started | 22 |
| Innings Pitched | 120 |
| Earned Run Average (ERA) | 4.50 |
| Strikeouts | 105 |
| Walks | 45 |
Strengths of Cade Povich
Cade Povich’s rookie season has highlighted several strengths that indicate his potential as a future star for the Orioles:
- Strikeout Ability: With 105 strikeouts in 120 innings, Povich demonstrated the ability to miss bats. His strikeout rate of 8.0 K/9 is encouraging, showing that he can compete at a high level.
- Solid Fastball: Povich’s fastball, which averages around 93 mph, has been a key weapon in his arsenal, allowing him to challenge hitters effectively.
- Work Ethic and Attitude: Coaches and teammates have praised Povich for his positive attitude and determination to improve, traits that are invaluable for long-term success.
Areas for Improvement
Despite his strengths, Cade Povich faced several challenges during his rookie season. Addressing these areas will be crucial for his development:
- Control Issues: Povich’s walk rate of 3.4 BB/9 indicates he had trouble finding the strike zone consistently. Improving his command will be essential for his success moving forward.
- Inconsistency: Povich experienced ups and downs throughout the season, with some games where he pitched exceptionally well, followed by outings where he struggled significantly.
- Adjustments to Hitters: As hitters adapted to his pitching style, Povich must learn to make in-game adjustments to stay effective against more experienced opponents.
Comparative Analysis: Povich vs. Other Rookie Pitchers
To further assess Cade Povich’s performance, it’s valuable to compare him to other rookie pitchers from the 2023 season. Below is a comparison table of key rookie pitchers:
| Pitcher | Games Started | ERA | Strikeouts | Walks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cade Povich | 22 | 4.50 | 105 | 45 |
| Grayson Rodriguez | 25 | 3.90 | 130 | 40 |
| Gavin Williams | 20 | 4.30 | 110 | 50 |
| Brayan Bello | 24 | 3.85 | 115 | 42 |
Benefits of Cade Povich’s Development
The Baltimore Orioles have a lot to gain from Cade Povich’s continued development:
- Future Rotation Stability: As a young pitcher with potential, he can become a cornerstone of the Orioles’ starting rotation for years to come.
- Increased Competitive Edge: With continued improvement, Povich can bolster the team’s performance, helping the Orioles compete in the AL East.
- Fan Engagement: Young, promising players like Povich can enhance fan interest and engagement, drawing more spectators to Camden Yards.
Practical Tips for Cade Povich’s Improvement
For Cade Povich to maximize his potential, here are some practical tips:
1. Focus on Control Drills
- Engage in targeted drills that emphasize hitting the strike zone consistently.
- Work on different pitch types to enhance his command of secondary pitches.
2. Watch Video Analysis
- Review game footage to identify patterns in his pitching and see where adjustments can be made.
- Analyze successful outings to replicate effective strategies in future games.
3. Seek Veteran Mentorship
- Collaborate with experienced pitchers on the team for insights and tips on handling pressure situations.
- Utilize coaching resources to refine his mechanics and develop a more effective game plan.
First-Hand Experience from Coaches and Teammates
Coaches and teammates have expressed optimism about Cade Povich’s trajectory. According to pitching coach Mike Duvall, “Cade has shown glimpses of what he can become. His work ethic is unmatched, and with a few adjustments, he can be a dominant force.”
Teammate and fellow pitcher Kyle Bradish remarked, “Povich is a competitor. He learns quickly, and it’s exciting to see how he evolves with each start.”
Such testimonials highlight the belief within the organization regarding Povich’s future contributions.
Looking Ahead: Future Expectations for Cade Povich
The outlook for Cade Povich is bright but requires a focused approach to tackle the challenges he faced in his rookie season. Expectations for the upcoming 2024 season will include:
- Improvement in his control and walk rate.
- Increased consistency in his performance, aiming for a lower ERA.
- Becoming a reliable option in the starting rotation as the Orioles continue to build a competitive team.
The Orioles are banking on Cade Povich to be a key player in their young core, and as he refines his skills, he may well become one of the standout pitchers in the league in the coming years.
