Will Povich or Young have a brighter Orioles’ career? | MAILBAG

Question: Who has a brighter career ahead of them — Brandon Young or Cade Povich? And which is more likely to have that career as an Oriole? From: Scott Drucker

Answer: Scott, that’s an interesting question, and it’s one I’ve never contemplated.

Brandon Young is at the beginning of his career, and he’s started only 12 games. Of those 12 starts, three were rough — six or seven runs allowed. One was terrific — his near eight-inning gem, where he allowed only an infield single to Ramón Urías.

He had a 6.24 ERA in those 12 starts.

Povich has a 5.20 ERA in 32 games, 30 starts, in two years. Last season, he had five starts where he allowed five or more runs.

Both seem to be depth pieces for the rotation, and perhaps they’ll end up as relievers. They’re both intelligent and personable young men.

I think 2026 is a big year for their development. Povich is two years younger at 25. He was a third-round draft pick of Minnesota while Young went undrafted in the five-round, six-player draft of 2020.

Young, who had Tommy John surgery in 2022, was never a ranked prospect and methodically rose in the system.

Obviously, it’s not an easy question for me to answer, but I would lean to Povich having a better career because left-handers are more coveted than right-handers. I think they could both have long careers, and it’s possible that either or both could be used in a trade.

Question: Has Ryan Mountcastle had any outfield experience? I really hope that the club can find a place for him. Who’s the better trade chip, Coby Mayo or Ryan? From: Joe Tito

Answer: Joe, Mountcastle played 46 games in left field in 2020 and 2021. He’s a much better first baseman than outfielder. Mayo is a more valuable trade commodity because he has great potential, and he has at least five more years of club control while Mountcastle has only one season before free agency, and his estimated salary is about $7.8 million.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.