While the Mike Elias regime has excelled at drafting and developing major league hitters, its success rate on pitchers is less encouraging. Brandon Young, the latest homegrown starter added to the 40-man roster, will look to reverse that narrative in 2025.
The 6’6” Young originally signed with the Orioles as an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana Lafayette in 2020. After posting a 1.09 ERA and 37 Ks in 24.2 IP during his pandemic-shortened senior season, it’s likely Young would have been drafted if not for MLB shortening the 2020 draft to only five rounds.
Racking up strikeouts has become Young’s calling card throughout his first four seasons with the Orioles organization.