Chayce McDermott, now the Orioles’ top pitching prospect, made only one start for the Orioles in 2024
The Orioles entered 2024 with two pitching prospects set to debut at some point during the season. Cade Povich and Chayce McDermott both made their way to Baltimore, but one stayed a lot longer than the other. Povich emerged as a legitimate contributor in the second half of the season, while McDermott made only one appearance for the Orioles.
Povich pitched like a first-year player attempting to gain his footing at the major league level. He performed well enough to take the ball every fifth day as the Birds battled significant depth issues on the mound. The Orioles really only had room for one rookie starter during a postseason push, which likely played a factor in McDermott remaining at Norfolk.
McDermott ended the year with a 3.78 ERA and 1.440 WHIP over 22 appearances (21 starts) at Triple-A. He struck out 144 batters, walked 60, and threw exactly 100 innings for the Tides.
Unfortunately, McDermott missed all of August after suffering a scapula stress reaction in his right shoulder. The injury robbed McDermott of any chance to prove he belonged in Baltimore down the stretch. The 26-year-old finally returned on September 18 and threw three hitless innings. It was too late in the year to ramp back up, but McDermott checked all the rehab boxes in 2024.
McDermott got his one crack at the big leagues on July 24. The righty made his MLB debut on the road in Miami. He sent the Marlins down in order in the bottom of the first and posted a zero over his first three innings.
McDermott eventually allowed a solo homer to Josh Bell and a pair of RBI singles in the fourth inning. He closed his line at 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB and 3 K. He struck out Nick Gordon and Ali Sanchez with blow-by fastballs, and used an impressive splitter to sit down Jake Burger.
McDermott’s fastball lives in the mid 90s and tops out around 97 MPH. MLB Pipeline lists his “sweepy slider” as his best breaking ball, but he also threw a curveball, sweeper and changeup/splitter in his big league debut.
McDermott should head to Sarasota with the goal of breaking camp with the team. Free agent Corbin Burnes could move on, and Kyle Bradish will miss at least the start of the season. Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez, Dean Kremer, Albert Suárez and Povich will all return, and Baltimore should bolster the rotation with at least one free agent signing, but there’s a role for McDermott in 2025.
McDermott, now solidly cemented as Baltimore’s top pitching prospect, still profiles as a starting pitcher. It’s unlikely the O’s would send their top pitching prospect to the bullpen at the beginning of the season, but McDermott’s strikeout numbers (13.0 K/9 at Norfolk in 2024) could play out of the bullpen someday if needed.
The former Houston prospect could easily return to Norfolk until the Orioles need another starting pitcher. Baltimore will hope for better health on the mound next season, but every team needs more than five capable starting pitchers throughout a 162-game season.
The Orioles were “buyers” at the deadline over the last two seasons, but the Birds never parted with McDermott. The Warehouse should remain bullish on the Ball State product, and McDermott should receive an extended opportunity at some point in 2025.
Previous 2024 prospect reviews: Heston Kjerstad, Frederick Bencosme, Justin Armbruester, Leandro Arias, Brandon Young, Creed Willems, Trace Bright, Braylin Tavera, Michael Forret, Thomas Sosa, 2024 draft picks, Aron Estrada, Alex Pham, Luis De Léon, Patrick Reilly. Dylan Beavers, Enrique Bradfield Jr.
Tomorrow: Jud Fabian