Evaluating the Baltimore Orioles' Starting Rotation Standing

As it stands, the Baltimore Orioles’ starting rotation appears to be in a promising spot as the team heads into the offseason ahead of the 2027 season.

The Orioles’ rotation started out the season shaky, but found a stride in terms of health and in their success on the mound. While standing out as one of the more efficient rotations in the league, the Orioles have no concern in retaining most of their starters going forward. 

Over the past year, Baltimore extended two starting pitchers, with eyes on the future. The Orioles agreed to a five-year contract extension with Kyle Bradish around the middle of the season, and also agreed to terms on an extension with Shane Baz one day after Opening Day. Bradish’s deal will keep him with the team through 2031, while Baz is under contract through 2030.

Those two starters, who were consistent all season, are locks to continue giving Baltimore productive starts going forward. Baltimore can also rely on Brandon Young to be a big part of that equation in 2027.

Young gave the Orioles a very productive season in his first full year, as he exceeded his career-highs in the workload category and produced a 3.56 ERA in 28 starts. The 28-year-old right-hander is under contract for a long time as well, as he won't be a free agent until 2032.

However, a few starting pitchers’ futures in Baltimore are uncertain heading into the offseason – most notably the Orioles’ ace down the stretch, Trevor Rogers. 

Rogers, who the team acquired at the trade deadline in 2024, heads into the offseason as a free agent and the Orioles’ number one priority to bring back. The southpaw overcame early-season struggles and turned in a productive campaign in his second full season in Baltimore.

Mike Elias, the Orioles’ President of Baseball Operations, had voiced his preference to bring Rogers back to Baltimore, and Rogers himself has voiced his desire to return. Should the two teams come to agreement, Baltimore’s rotation would be secure for some time. 

A rotation anchored by Rogers, Bradish, Young and Baz has the potential to be one of the league’s most productive collections of arms. The four starters combined to toss over 600 innings this season, as they rounded out the Orioles’ top-4 pitchers in innings pitched in 2026.

Zach Eflin, who missed almost the entirety of the season as he underwent Tommy John surgery in early-April, hopes to remain with the Orioles, as his contract holds a mutual option for 2027. However, it is unlikely he is brought back on that deal, as he is set to miss a chunk of 2027 as well. Chris Bassitt, who signed with the Orioles on a one-year deal last offseason, is set to be a free agent.

Essentially, the Orioles' No. 5 spot in the rotation is up for grabs, should Baltimore bring back Rogers. But ultimately, the Orioles may be set to have a strong rotation in the years going forward.