Cade Povich - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Analysis (Week 6)

PROSPECT: Cade Povich, SP, Baltimore Orioles

ERIC CROSS' LATEST PROSPECT RANKING: #13

CALL-UP ETA: May

ANALYSIS: Cade Povich is blooming into a star at Triple-A this season. Across 26 ⅓ innings, the 24-year-old is riding a dominant 1.03 ERA and 0.76 WHIP with 40 punchouts. Povich was a very different pitcher last season as he posted a 5.36 ERA and 1.35 WHIP across 45 ⅓ innings at Triple-A. So what happened? Did everything just finally click for the former Nebraska Cornhusker? Looking at his underlying metrics, we can see what has changed over the past year.

First, Povich has increased his strikeout rate from 26.9% to 41.7%. Secondly, his ground-ball rate has jumped from 41.8% to 45.7%. In addition, Povich has been able to lower his BABIP from .214 to .200. When looking at his splits, Povich struggled against right-handed batters in Triple-A last season, as he allowed a 1.26 WHIP and 20 free passes. This season, however, against right-handers, he is currently posting a 0.83 WHIP while giving up only eight walks.

Cade Povich began his day with five straight strikeouts, then added a couple more.

The @Orioles' No. 9 prospect now leads the Minor Leagues with 40 K's on the season for the @NorfolkTides. pic.twitter.com/TSiBn4S0Cz

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) April 25, 2024

Now, for the question that is on everyone’s mind. Does this truly matter for 2024?  Unfortunately for Povich, he was not promoted to the major leagues when Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells were all on the injured list. Bradish has just rejoined the team, and Means is currently in the final steps of his rehab stint. With both of these starting pitchers returning, it is hard to picture a path right now that could make Povich fantasy-relevant in 2024.

With the way Povich is currently pitching, he should be given a chance in the majors this season and could very well force the Orioles' hand with the current success he is having.

Povich is worth monitoring but will most likely make his major league debut sometime later in the season as Baltimore management has shown no sign of suggesting a call-up is imminent. If the Orioles need some rotation help down the stretch, do not be surprised if Povich’s name is tossed around, but with Bradish and Means on their way back, Povich may have to wait a bit longer.

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