Baltimore just dropped a massive five-year, $90 million extension on Kyle Bradish, a move that officially makes him the highest-paid pitcher in franchise history. And get this: the guy currently leads all of Major League Baseball in losses. This deal, announced Saturday, covers the 2027-2031 seasons and was hammered out during the All-Star Break downtime.
A Record Deal For a Surprising Ace
This isn't just a big deal, it's a record-breaker, surpassing what teammate Shane Baz briefly held. It's a truly surprising distinction for the 29-year-old right-hander. Think about it: highest-paid pitcher in franchise history, yet he's never snagged an All-Star selection or even a single Cy Young vote. While the Reds were locking up their young ace Chase Burns to a big deal, Baltimore went all-in on Bradish, despite his current MLB-leading loss total.Betting on Potential and Health
The Orioles are clearly looking at more than just this season's loss column. Bradish missed a chunk of the 2024 and 2025 campaigns because of Tommy John surgery. But he posted a solid 2.78 ERA from 2023-25 and has managed to stay healthy this year. Over 66 career starts in five MLB seasons, his record stands at 25-24 with a 3.50 ERA, a 3.62 FIP, and a 1.21 WHIP. With Bradish, Baz, and catcher Samuel Basallo all locked up for at least the next half-decade, the Orioles are definitely building a core. It's clear they want to remain competitive in the AL East, and they're betting $90 million that Bradish is a key piece of that puzzle.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.