The Orioles haven’t played a game in 2026, but they went 1-1 in arbitration hearings.

A .500 finish is only acceptable in this instance.

Left-handed reliever Keegan Akin lost his case and will be paid $2.975 million instead of his filing of $3.375 million. A three-person panel made the decision. 

Akin has become a workhorse in the bullpen, with his 64 appearances last season ranking second to Yennier Cano’s 65. He also was second to Cano in 2024 with 66.

A role change after closer Félix Bautista’s shoulder injury and some deadline trades left Akin with a career-high eight saves, raising his career total to 11 in six major league seasons. He posted a 3.41 ERA in 63 1/3 innings.

A third year of arbitration eligibility for Akin sets him up for free agency following the 2026 season.

The Orioles drafted Akin as a starter in the second round in 2016 out of Western Michigan University, putting him among the longest tenured players on the club. He’s a lock to head north after spring training and frequently work in high leverage.

He also was an opener in three games last summer.

Dietrich Enns is expected to make the Opening Day roster as a second lefty. Grant Wolfram also is on the 40-man roster, but president of baseball operations/general manager Mike Elias could make another move.

Kyle Bradish won his arbitration hearing this week and will be paid $3.55 million instead of the team’s $2.875 million offer.

MLB.com first reported Akin’s result.