Locked On Orioles - Daily Podcast On The Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles 2026 Position Previews: Starting Pitchers

11 snips
Mar 25, 2026
Guest
Brendan Mortensen
Brendan Mortensen, MASN reporter and Orioles analyst, breaks down Baltimore’s 2026 starting rotation. They discuss Trevor Rogers’ ceiling and workload, Kyle Bradish’s innings limits after TJ, Shane Baz’s electric upside and injury questions, Zach Eflin’s health outlook, Dean Kremer’s option to Triple-A and return timeline, and depth pieces like Cade Povich and other top prospects.
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INSIGHT

Rogers Projected As High-Quality Midrotation Workhorse

  • Trevor Rogers is unlikely to repeat a sub-2.00 ERA but can still be a strong frontline starter.
  • His 2025 gains came from improved lower-body mechanics and confidence, projecting a low-to-mid-3.00s ERA with ~170 innings.
INSIGHT

Bradish Managed To Protect Long-Term Value

  • Kyle Bradish likely won't push to 170–180 innings in 2026 as the Orioles will protect his workload after TJ recovery.
  • Expect a controlled jump to roughly 125–150 innings (23–24 starts) with possible six-man rotation use.
INSIGHT

Shane Baz Adds High-Upside Ace Potential

  • Shane Baz brings top-end stuff and team control, making him a potential rotation ace if healthy.
  • His 2025 ERA was inflated by playing in hitter-friendly Florida parks, but velocity and a wipeout knuckle-curve make him high-upside.
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