The Orioles haven’t thrown a pitch in 2026 yet, but they’ve already split a pair of arbitration decisions - going 1-1 in hearings that carry real financial and roster implications.
Let’s start with Keegan Akin, the lefty reliever who’s quietly become one of the most durable arms in Baltimore’s bullpen. Akin lost his arbitration case and will earn $2.975 million this season, falling short of the $3.375 million he filed for. The decision came down from a three-person panel, and while the difference might seem minor in the grand scheme, it’s a reminder of how these hearings can shape a player’s future earnings - especially in a walk year.
And that’s exactly where Akin finds himself: entering his final season before free agency. He’s in his third year of arbitration eligibility, and if 2026 looks anything like the last two seasons, he’ll be in line for some serious interest on the open market.
Akin’s been a rock for the Orioles’ bullpen. His 64 appearances in 2025 were second only to Yennier Cano’s 65, and the year before that, he was again right behind Cano with 66 outings. That kind of consistency isn’t easy to find - especially from the left side.
But it wasn’t just volume that stood out. After closer Félix Bautista went down with a shoulder injury and the Orioles reshuffled their bullpen at the trade deadline, Akin stepped into a higher-leverage role.
He notched a career-high eight saves, bringing his total to 11 over six big league seasons. He also posted a 3.41 ERA across 63 1/3 innings - a solid mark for a reliever who was often called on in tight spots.
Akin’s versatility has been a quiet asset. He served as an opener in three games last summer, giving the Orioles some flexibility when they needed to bridge injury gaps or manage innings.
And while his days as a starter are behind him - he was drafted in the second round back in 2016 out of Western Michigan as a rotation prospect - he’s carved out a meaningful role as a high-leverage lefty. At this point, he’s all but guaranteed to break camp with the club and remain a key piece of the late-inning puzzle.
As for the rest of the left-handed relief depth, Dietrich Enns is tracking to make the Opening Day roster as the second southpaw. Grant Wolfram is also on the 40-man, but it wouldn’t be a shock if Mike Elias adds another arm before camp breaks. The Orioles know they’ll need depth, especially with Bautista still working his way back.
On the other side of the arbitration ledger, Kyle Bradish came out on top in his hearing. He’ll earn $3.55 million in 2026, beating the Orioles’ offer of $2.875 million. For Bradish, who’s emerged as one of the more dependable arms in the rotation, it’s a well-earned bump - and a sign of how the team values what he brings every fifth day.
So while the Orioles haven’t taken the field yet this year, the early off-field action is already shaping the roster - and the payroll - in meaningful ways. Akin and Bradish are both set to play big roles in 2026, and how they perform could go a long way in determining whether this club can take another step forward in the AL.