Orioles Reach Arbitration Deals With Henderson, Rutschman for 2026

The Baltimore Orioles hit the annual arbitration deadline with most of their roster business already wrapped up. Still, a couple of storylines popped up worth a closer look.

The club managed to avoid prolonged disputes with most eligible players. But two cases are heading to hearings, and some contracts hint at how the front office values its core for the future.

Let’s dig into what the Orioles’ arbitration moves could mean for 2026 and beyond.

Orioles Settle with Majority Before Arbitration Deadline

By Thursday’s deadline, the Orioles settled contracts with nine of their 11 arbitration-eligible players. That’s pretty much in line with their trend of locking in cost certainty for a contending roster.

Only right-handers Kyle Bradish and Keegan Akin didn’t reach deals. They’ll head into the formal arbitration process after swapping salary figures with the club.

Baltimore sticks to a “file and trial” approach—once numbers are exchanged, they usually take it to a hearing and don’t bother with more negotiation. It’s not the warmest method, but it keeps things businesslike.

Bradish and Akin now get to experience that process directly.

Agreed-Upon Arbitration Salaries

The Orioles locked in a range of salaries, reflecting both recent performance and how long each player’s been around. Per Andy Kostka, Roch Kubatko, and Robert Murray, these are the deals:

Ward’s deal really jumps out. At $12.175 million, he tops the list, thanks to his Super Two status and steady, productive track record.

Rutschman and Henderson: Cornerstones with Controlled Costs

Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson are two names that define the Orioles’ present and future. Rutschman’s $7.25 million salary comes in a bit higher than some preseason guesses, though it’s just a modest bump from last year’s $5.5 million after a bit of a down year by his standards.

Henderson’s $8.5 million agreement shows how much he matters to the franchise, but it’s still a bargain for a player at his level. These contracts keep Baltimore’s core together and don’t tie up too much payroll flexibility.

Mountcastle Deal Carries Strategic Implications

Ryan Mountcastle agreed to a $6.787 million salary, but there’s a twist: a $7.5 million team option for 2027. That option guarantees his full 2026 salary and gives the Orioles an extra year of control if they want it.

Why the Option Matters

This club option could push back Mountcastle’s free agency. It gives Baltimore a little more lineup stability—or maybe even some extra trade value if they decide to go that route.

In a time when teams crave flexibility, this deal gives the front office some interesting choices.

Bradish and Akin Headed for Arbitration Hearings

Bradish filed at $3.55 million, while the Orioles responded with $2.875 million. Akin submitted $3.375 million against the team’s $2.975 million, with projections floating around $3.0 million.

Baltimore’s history suggests these cases will go to an arbitration panel instead of ending in a handshake. The decisions won’t make or break the budget, but they’ll say a lot about how the club values its pitching depth.

Big Picture: Stability with Select Risks

The Orioles handled arbitration season with confidence. They settled early with most players.

For a few, the front office chose to hold its ground. This approach shows their commitment to a long-term plan.

Baltimore now heads into 2026 with a talented, motivated roster. There’s still a bit of arbitration drama left, keeping things interesting.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Orioles reach contract agreements with Henderson, Rutschman, and more