Orioles Win Arbitration Case, Set Keegan Akin’s 2026 Salary at $2.975 Million

The Baltimore Orioles secured a victory in their second arbitration hearing of the offseason, successfully negotiating left-handed reliever Keegan Akin’s 2026 salary at $2.975 million. A three-member arbitration panel ruled in favor of the team, marking the first club win of the year following a string of player victories early in the process. Akin, who had filed for $3.375 million, will now earn $400,000 less than his requested figure in the final year of his arbitration eligibility.

This case follows a split for Baltimore in arbitration hearings so far this offseason. Right-hander Kyle Bradish previously won a $3.55 million award after rejecting the team’s $2.875 million offer, while Akin’s case gave the Orioles their first successful arbitration decision in 2026. Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal made headlines by securing a record-setting $32 million salary in arbitration earlier in the offseason.

Akin’s career in arbitration has been steady, beginning with a salary of $825,000 in his first eligible season, followed by $1.475 million last year. The 2026 hearing marked his third appearance before an arbitration panel, after reaching agreements with the team in his first two arbitration-eligible seasons.

The 30-year-old has spent his entire six-year Major League career with Baltimore, transitioning from a swingman to a full-time bullpen role in 2022. Akin’s journey reflects both resilience and adaptation, having rebounded from injuries and struggles to remain a key component of the Orioles’ relief corps.

1. Career and Performance Overview

Since making his MLB debut in 2020, Keegan Akin has appeared in 368 innings, compiling a 16-22 record with a 4.48 ERA and 11 career saves. Initially used as a swingman, he became a full-time reliever in 2022, posting a 3.20 ERA over 81⅔ innings with an impressive 49.3% groundball rate and a 6.1% walk rate. Akin faced challenges in 2023, pitching only 23⅓ innings while struggling to a 6.85 ERA due to a lower back injury. He rebounded in the following season, working 78⅔ innings with a 3.32 ERA and achieving a career-best strikeout-to-walk ratio of 24.9%, signaling a return to form. In 2025, Akin appeared in 64 games exclusively out of the bullpen, recording a 5-4 record with a 3.41 ERA. Over 63⅓ innings, he struck out 59 batters, walked 33, and recorded eight saves, demonstrating his durability and consistency as a left-handed reliever. His career trajectory highlights both the ups and downs typical of bullpen arms, balancing periods of struggle with strong performance stretches that showcase his value to the Orioles’ pitching staff.

2. Arbitration History and Implications

Akin’s 2026 arbitration case represents a continuation of the Orioles’ strategy in managing player salaries while maintaining competitive control. Arbitration allows teams and players to present their cases, with panels evaluating performance, service time, and comparable salaries. This ruling marks the Orioles’ first arbitration victory of the season, giving the organization leverage as they navigate future salary discussions. While players have won five of the first six cases in 2026, Baltimore has now split its hearings, demonstrating a balanced approach to player compensation. The outcome also sets a precedent for left-handed relievers on the roster, potentially influencing future negotiations with players like Dietrich Enns and Grant Wolfram. Managing payroll and maintaining depth in the bullpen are critical priorities as the team prepares for spring training. For Akin, the decision provides clarity as he enters the final year of arbitration eligibility. It establishes a guaranteed salary while he continues to focus on performance and health, ensuring he can contribute effectively to the team’s bullpen.

3. Outlook for Orioles’ Bullpen

Baltimore’s bullpen remains a work in progress heading into spring training, but Akin is positioned as a strong candidate for the Opening Day roster if he remains healthy. Alongside Enns and Wolfram, he represents one of three left-handed options currently on the 40-man roster. The team also has flexibility with starter Cade Povich, who could be deployed in the bullpen depending on matchups and innings requirements. This depth will be essential as the Orioles look to compete in a challenging American League East division. Akin’s experience and past performance provide stability, offering a reliable option in high-leverage situations. His ability to bounce back from injuries and maintain effectiveness makes him a key piece of the team’s strategic plans for 2026. As spring training approaches, the Orioles will continue evaluating roster composition, health, and matchups to ensure the bullpen can support the starting rotation and contribute to team success. Akin’s presence provides both experience and consistency, vital for a team looking to strengthen its pitching staff.