The Baltimore Orioles prevailed in salary arbitration against reliever Keegan Akin, ending a six-decision player winning streak. A panel awarded Akin $2,975,000, below his $3.375 million request. The 30-year-old posted a 3.41 ERA with eight saves in 64 appearances last season.

This marks the first team victory in 2026 arbitration hearings, with players previously winning five straight. Recent rulings favored high-profile names like Tarik Skubal, who secured a record $32 million. Baltimore’s win helps shape its bullpen budget ahead of the season.

Fact: Over 200 MLB players have settled before arbitration since 2020, with fewer than 10 cases annually going to hearing.

Baltimore now turns attention to roster construction and bullpen roles. Akin, entering his final pre-free agency season, remains a key late-inning option for the Orioles’ relief corps.