Bradish wins arbitration hearing

Orioles starter Kyle Bradish has won his arbitration case, as first reported by the Associated Press and confirmed by an industry source.

Bradish had his hearing yesterday after filing at $3.55 million, with the Orioles countering at $2.875 million. A three-person panel made the decision this afternoon.

The right-hander was paid $2.35 million last season in his first year of arbitration. As a Super Two player, he has four years of eligibility and can’t become a free agent until after the 2028 season.

Reliever Keegan Akin is the only unsigned arbitration-eligible Oriole. Akin is seeking $3.375 million, and the team filed at $2.975 million.

With Bradish’s salary set, the next unresolved issue is where he slots into the rotation.

Getting the Opening Day start on March 26 against the Twins at Camden Yards is the most likely outcome if the Orioles don’t sign or trade for a proven ace like Framber Valdez, who remains on the free agent market and their radar.

Bradish could be bumped to No. 2, followed by Trevor Rogers and maybe Shane Baz.

The Orioles are counting on a full and productive season from Bradish wherever he pitches. He made six starts last year after returning from ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow and posted a 2.53 ERA and 1.031 WHIP in 32 innings. He struck out 47 batters.

Bradish has made only 14 starts over the past two seasons. He finished fourth in American League Cy Young voting in 2023 after going 12-7 with a 2.83 ERA and 1.043 WHIP in 30 starts, and he was rolling again in 2024 with a 2.75 ERA and 1.068 WHIP in eight starts, averaging 12.1 strikeouts per nine innings, before his surgery.

A platelet-rich plasma injection in January only delayed the procedure, but Bradish is healthy again. He's also richer.