The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant move in securing their future with the signing of right-hander Kyle Bradish to a five-year contract extension worth $90 million. This deal, which covers the period from 2027 to 20231, is a testament to the team’s commitment to building a strong core of players who will lead them to success in the years to come.
Owner David Rubenstein expressed his excitement about the signing, stating, ‘Keeping players of Kyle’s caliber in an Orioles uniform is an important part of our long-term vision.’ He went on to thank Mike Elias and the entire baseball operations department for their dedication throughout the process.
Kyle Bradish, who turned 30 in September, joined the Orioles as a minor leaguer in the Dylan Bundy trade with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2019. After making his MLB debut in April 2022, Bradish quickly established himself as a core piece of Baltimore’s rotation. However, his progress was hampered by Tommy John surgery, which wiped out most of the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Despite this setback, Bradish returned to pitch quite well in 2026, solidifying his position as a key player for the team.
The Orioles’ decision to lock up Bradish now may seem surprising, given that he wouldn’t have become a free agent until after the 2028 season. However, this extension buys out his final two years of arbitration plus three free agent years, providing the team with a sense of stability and security. The $90 million guarantee is the third-largest given to a pitcher who was two years away from free agency, a testament to the team’s commitment to investing in their players.
Why the Orioles Locked Up Bradish Now
The Orioles have taken a proactive approach in securing their top players, ensuring that they will have a strong core of talent for years to come. By locking up Bradish now, the team has avoided the risk of losing him to free agency in the future. This move also sends a message to other top players that the Orioles are committed to building a winning team, making them a more attractive destination for free agents.
While the Orioles have already locked up Shane Baz to a five-year extension worth $68 million, this deal covers the period from 2026 to 2030. With Baz and Bradish secured, the team has ensured that its top two starters will be together through at least 2030. This stability will provide a foundation for the team to build upon, allowing them to compete with the best teams in the league.
However, the Orioles still face challenges in locking up their other top players. Trevor Rogers, a key left-handed starter, will be a free agent after the season, making it difficult for the team to secure him to a long-term deal. Similarly, Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, two of the team’s top prospects, will be free agents after the 2028 and 2028 seasons, respectively. While the Orioles will surely try to lock them up, it may not be possible to get them to sign long-term deals at this point.
In conclusion, the Orioles’ signing of Kyle Bradish to a five-year contract extension worth $90 million is a significant move that will have a lasting impact on the team’s future. By securing one of their top players, the Orioles have sent a message to the baseball world that they are committed to building a winning team. This move will provide stability and security for the team, allowing them to compete with the best teams in the league for years to come.
