As the Baltimore Orioles gear up for the 2026 season, they've thrown a curveball with a surprising roster decision. Dean Kremer, who was a staple in the Orioles' rotation last year, is heading to the minors to start the season.
Kremer, who has been with the Orioles since 2020, saw a steady increase in his workload over the years. Last season, he started 29 games, logging 171.1 innings with a 4.19 ERA, 142 strikeouts, and an 11-10 record. Despite leading the team in wins, Kremer will begin his 2026 campaign in Triple-A.
The Orioles' starting rotation for Opening Day will feature Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, and Zach Eflin. This lineup doesn't include Kremer, a notable absence given his contributions last year.
Kremer's journey this season is one to watch, especially after his stint with Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic. How his role evolves and when he'll return to the major league roster remains a point of intrigue.
Baltimore is eager to improve on last year's 75-87 record, which placed them at the bottom of the AL East. The Orioles are set to kick off their season against the Minnesota Twins next Thursday, March 26. Fans will be keen to see how this new rotation shapes up and what it means for the team's fortunes in 2026.