Has Brandon Young Solidified His Role in Baltimore Orioles Rotation?

The Baltimore Orioles spent most of 2026 searching for answers in their starting rotation. Brandon Young has given them a strong reason to keep looking internally and to trust their pitching development. 

The 28-year-old right-hander finished his last start of the season on Friday against the New York Yankees. He threw five innings of one-run ball, allowing just two hits and striking out six. He did still surrender the loss, but that falls on Baltimore’s lineup not providing enough run support.

Young entered 2026 just looking for another chance after struggling during his rookie season. He went 1-7 with a 6.24 ERA across 12 starts in 2025. This year, the Orioles kept turning to him as the injuries piled up. And Young provided exactly what the team needed every time. Baltimore likely would not have remained in playoff contention for as long as they did without his contributions. 

By the end of this season, Young had produced a 9-6 record, a 3.56 ERA, 133 strikeouts and a 1.347 WHIP. The final outing against an American League contender like New York also showed the type of role he has settled into. He has the pitch arsenal to dominate against the league’s best hitters.

Young’s workload increased almost immediately after Zach Eflin's season ended with Tommy John surgery in April. Dean Kremer also went down early leading to more opportunities. Young was recalled in April and he eventually became one of the rotation's most consistent options. His emergence also made it easier for Baltimore to deal away Kremer at the trade deadline to the Minnesota Twins.

The rotation picture could change again this winter for the O’s. Chris Bassitt is headed toward free agency after a one-year season in Baltimore. Bassitt's future in MLB is also uncertain. He spoke with reporters this week and admitted retirement is on the table. Left-hander Trevor Rogers is also set to be a free agent and there is no guarantee he is brought back.

As Young heads into the offseason, his 2026 performance may have solidified his spot in the rotation next year. The Orioles will certainly have Kyle Bradish and Shane Baz in the mix, and they will definitely add more arms. But, Young’s emergence this year may have solidified his spot in the backend as the No. 5 starter. 

He is also under a cheap deal still, given he has only spent two seasons in the big leagues.