Is Orioles’ young core good enough to win? | MAILBAG

Question: This team as constructed has been pretty bad under Brandon Hyde, Tony Mansolino and now Craig Albernaz Isn’t it time that ownership, management and we as fans need to accept this fact, and admit that the core group of players just are not good enough? From: 5Brooks5

Answer: Steve, I think the six weeks between now and the trade deadline are crucial. Obviously, Gunnar Henderson’s 2026 has been a disappointment, but I’m optimistic that he’ll get better in the second half.

I thought that Adley Rutschman was on his way back to his All-Star form until his concussion. Who knows how long he’ll be out?

Jackson Holliday, I think will be a premier player, but getting a late start has held him back.

Colton Cowser, who had a big day on Sunday, has been a disappointment, and because of his concussion, Heston Kjerstad hasn’t been able to demonstrate his skills.

Jordan Westburg has shown signs of excellence, but we’ll have to wait until next year to see him after his Tommy John surgery.

As a whole, they’ve certainly not been good enough, but if Rutschman comes back by the All-Star break or right after it and Henderson gets hot, I think things will look different.

But if those things don’t happen, some difficult decisions will have to be made during the second half of the season and the early part of the offseason.

Question: Do you envision Ryan Mountcastle moving to an outfield position? He would need to get some time in to learn the position again. From: Roger Chesley

Answer: Roger, Ryan Mountcastle hasn’t played the outfield since 2021. He worked hard and successfully to become a good first baseman. Yes, Pete Alonso plays first every day, but when Mountcastle comes back, I would envision him as an occasional first baseman when Alonso is the designated hitter or as a DH against left-handers.

I don’t think the Orioles plan to return Mountcastle to the outfield.

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.