In his first year of arbitration eligibility, the Orioles and shortstop Gunnar Henderson agreed on a 2026 salary of $8.5 million. That’s the largest salary for an Orioles player in his first year of arbitration.

Henderson, who won Most Valuable Oriole awards in 2023 and 2024 and finished fourth in Most Valuable Player voting, didn’t have as productive a year in 2025. Henderson hit .274 with a .787 OPS, 17 home runs and 68 RBIs.

Catcher Adley Rutschman, who had a rough 2025 with a .220 average, .673 OPS and nine homers and 29 RBIs, gets a raise from $5.5 million to $7.25 million. Rutschman had two strained obliques and played in just 95 games.

Outfielder Taylor Ward, who was acquired for starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez in November, settled for $12.175 million. Ward made $7.825 million with the Los Angeles Angels a year ago.

First baseman Ryan Mountcastle, who was projected to make $7.8 million, settled for $6.787 million, which was his 2025 salary. He also received a $7.5 million option for 2027. Mountcastle, who missed more than two months

with a strained hamstring, played in just 89 games. He hit .250 with a .653 OPS, seven homers and 35 RBIs.

Also reaching settlements were pitchers Trevor Rogers ($6.2 million), Dean Kremer ($5.75 million), Shane Baz ($3.5 million), Tyler Wells ($2.445 million) and Yennier Cano ($1.6 million).

The Orioles did not reach agreements with Kyle Bradish or Keegan Akin and exchanged salary arbitration figures with both pitchers. Bradish filed at $3.55 million and the team filed at $2.875 million. Akin filed at $3.375 million and he Orioles filed at $2.975 million.

News of the Henderson, Kremer, Rogers and Wells agreements was first reported by the Baltimore Banner. News of the Mountcastle, Rutschman and Ward agreements was reported by Robert Murray of FanSided. News of the Baz agreement first came from ESPN’s Buster Olney and the Cano contract was first reported by Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. MLB.com first reported the filing numbers.

 The Baltimore Orioles have reached a series of salary arbitration agreements with key players ahead of the 2026 season, setting the stage for roster stability as the team looks to compete in a deep American League East. Among the notable agreements are shortstop Gunnar Henderson, catcher Adley Rutschman, and first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, alongside a number of pitchers including Trevor Rogers and Dean Kremer.

Gunnar Henderson Earns Record Arbitration Salary

Shortstop Gunnar Henderson, the Orioles’ standout young star, agreed to a 2026 salary of $8.5 million in his first year of arbitration eligibility, the highest ever for an Orioles player in that position. Henderson, a two-time Most Valuable Oriole award winner (2023, 2024) and fourth-place finisher in AL MVP voting, experienced a slight regression in 2025.

In 2025, Henderson hit .274 with a .787 OPS, 17 home runs, and 68 RBIs. While not matching the breakout numbers of prior seasons, Henderson remains the cornerstone of Baltimore’s lineup and a key contributor both offensively and defensively. His arbitration settlement underscores the team’s confidence in his long-term value.

Adley Rutschman Sees Raise After Injury-Shortened 2025

Catcher Adley Rutschman, who struggled during the 2025 season with a .220 batting average, .673 OPS, nine home runs, and 29 RBIs while playing only 95 games due to two strained obliques, received a raise from $5.5 million to $7.25 million. Despite the rough year, Rutschman remains one of the league’s top young catchers and a central piece of the Orioles’ rebuild. The salary settlement reflects the team’s commitment to him as a long-term anchor behind the plate.

Ryan Mountcastle and First Base Logjam

First baseman Ryan Mountcastle, whose 2025 season was limited to 89 games due to a hamstring injury, settled for $6.787 million—the same as his previous year—and received a $7.5 million club option for 2027. Mountcastle batted .250 with a .653 OPS, seven home runs, and 35 RBIs in a season interrupted by injuries.

Mountcastle’s arbitration deal comes amid a crowded first base situation for Baltimore, now featuring Pete Alonso, Cody Mayo, and occasional reps from Samuel Basallo or Adley Rutschman. While the one-year deal maintains flexibility for the Orioles, speculation remains that Mountcastle could be moved depending on roster strategy.

Taylor Ward Agrees to Arbitration Settlement

Outfielder Taylor Ward, acquired from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez last November, reached a $12.175 million arbitration settlement with the Orioles. Ward previously earned $7.825 million with the Angels in 2025 and is expected to play a significant role in Baltimore’s outfield and lineup versatility.

Pitching Arbitration Agreements

Baltimore also reached deals with several pitchers ahead of the 2026 season:

• Trevor Rogers: $6.2 million

• Dean Kremer: $5.75 million

• Shane Baz: $3.5 million

• Tyler Wells: $2.445 million

• Yennier Cano: $1.6 million

These agreements provide stability in a rotation and bullpen that the Orioles will rely on heavily for success in the AL East.

Pending Arbitration Cases

The Orioles did not reach agreements with right-handers Kyle Bradish and Keegan Akin, instead exchanging arbitration figures. Bradish filed for $3.55 million, while the Orioles countered at $2.875 million. Akin filed at $3.375 million, with the team responding at $2.975 million. These cases could be decided by an arbitration hearing if the sides do not settle in the coming weeks.

Implications for Baltimore’s 2026 Roster

These arbitration agreements provide clarity for Baltimore’s core group of players, including key contributors both at the plate and on the mound. With Henderson, Rutschman, and Mountcastle secured for at least 2026, the Orioles have the foundation to compete while remaining flexible in addressing positional depth and free-agent opportunities.

Additionally, the arbitration settlements signal that the team is committed to retaining young talent while managing financial flexibility for potential trades or further roster acquisitions. Players like Henderson and Rutschman remain long-term building blocks, while Mountcastle’s deal keeps options open for potential roster maneuvering.

Sources and Reporting

News of Henderson, Kremer, Rogers, and Wells’ agreements was first reported by The Baltimore Banner. Settlements for Mountcastle, Rutschman, and Ward were reported by Robert Murray of FanSided. Shane Baz’s deal was initially reported by ESPN’s Buster Olney, and Yennier Cano’s contract was first covered by Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. MLB.com initially reported the arbitration filing numbers.

Looking Ahead

With most arbitration cases settled, the Orioles enter 2026 with increased roster certainty. While the cases of Kyle Bradish and Keegan Akin remain unresolved, the majority of the team’s arbitration-eligible talent is under contract, allowing management to focus on free-agent acquisitions, spring training preparation, and strategic roster planning.

Baltimore’s approach reflects a balance of rewarding performance, maintaining financial flexibility, and ensuring that key young players remain central to the franchise’s long-term rebuild. As the season approaches, these arbitration settlements provide both players and fans clarity on salaries and expectations, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal 2026 campaign in the AL East.