The Baltimore Orioles have been busy this offseason, bringing in Pete Alonso, Ryan Helsley, Shane Baz, and Taylor Ward in various moves this winter.
But, they're not expected to be done, with starting pitching on the mind in Baltimore. But, before they make such a rotation move, the Orioles need to figure out their arbitration contracts.
On deadline day, the Orioles have agreed to contracts with five stars on new deals worth a combined $40 million. Gunnar Henderson, Ward, Ryan Mountcastle, Dean Kramer, and Adley Rutschman have all agreed to new deals with the Orioles.
Orioles come to terms on $40 million in contracts with five stars
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Orioles made two arbitration settlements, "Gunnar Henderson $8.5 million and Taylor Ward $12.175 million, per sources."
Henderson and Ward are now officially locked in for the 2026 season and will take up roles at shortstop and in the outfield for a new-look Orioles team in 2026.
According to Jake Rill of MLB.com, "1B Ryan Mountcastle and Orioles have agreed to a $6.787 million contract for 2026 to avoid arbitration with a $7.5 million team option for 2027, according to a source."
This is a significant deal for Baltimore. With Alonso on the roster, Mountcastle's roster spot was in question, but now, his team option makes his odds of staying on the roster more likely, as Baltimore has a little more flexibility with the righty slugger.
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But that's not the only deal Rill reported on. "RHP Dean Kramer and Orioles have agreed to a $5.75 million deal for 2026 to avoid arbitration, according to a source."
Baltimore is also bringing Kramer back on a reasonable $5.75 million deal for 2026, further solidifying the team's strengthened rotation that might get even better in the near future with a Ranger Suarez or Framber Valdez signing.
Lastly, Robert Murray of Fansided.com reports, "Adley Rutschman and the Orioles have agreed at $7.15 million to avoid arbitration."
Samuel Basallo is a great catching option, and he might be splitting time with Rutschman in 2026, depending on how the lineup is managed daily.
Rutschman is also a potential trade candidate, but for now, the beloved switch-hitting catcher is back on a $7.25 million deal for the 2026 season.
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