Bradish inks 5-year contract extension, becomes highest-paid pitcher in O's history

BALTIMORE -- For the third time in less than a year, the Orioles have agreed to a long-term contract extension with a core player on their roster.

On Saturday, Baltimore announced it signed right-hander Kyle Bradish to a five-year extension that covers the 2027-31 seasons. The deal is worth $90 million, according to multiple sources.

"We’re so pumped for [Kyle Bradish], him and his family," Orioles manager Craig Albernaz said. "Well earned and well deserved. It’s such a great marriage between the two. We couldn’t be more excited for KB. He’s earned it. Love that he’s going to be here for a long time. I know he’s happy about it, we’re happy for him and it’s awesome."

Bradish joins catcher Samuel Basallo (eight years, $67 million) and fellow righty Shane Baz (five years, $68 million) as O’s players to sign an extension in the past year. Basallo inked his deal last August, while Baz signed his pact in March.

Not only that, but Bradish has become the highest-paid pitcher in Orioles history. The 29-year-old right-hander broke the mark previously set by Baz less than four months ago.

When the O’s were purchased by a group led by private equity billionaire David Rubenstein in March 2024, they expressed a willingness to spend more money than they had in the past. That has proven to be the case, as four of the seven-largest contracts in franchise history have been signed since last August.

Largest contracts in Orioles history
1. Chris Davis: Seven years, $216 million in January 2016
2. Pete Alonso: Five years, $155 million in December 2025
3. Kyle Bradish: Five years, $90 million in July 2026
4. Adam Jones: Six years, $85.5 million in May 2012
5. Miguel Tejada: Six years, $72 million in December 2003
6. Shane Baz: Five years, $68 million in March 2026
7. Samuel Basallo: Eight years, $67 million in August 2025

"Keeping players of Kyle’s caliber in an Orioles uniform is an important part of our long-term vision," Rubenstein said in a statement. "We are grateful to Kyle for his commitment to our organization and to Baltimore. Thanks to Mike Elias and the entire baseball operations department for their dedication throughout this process."

Bradish was a fourth-round pick of the Angels in the 2018 MLB Draft who was acquired by the Orioles in the Dylan Bundy trade in December 2019. At the time, Bradish was a Minor Leaguer with a ton of potential.

Since then, Bradish has developed into one of MLB’s top starting pitchers (when healthy). The Peoria, Ariz., native has a 3.50 ERA in 86 starts for Baltimore over the past five seasons.

"I was very happy for him," Orioles left-hander Trevor Rogers said. "What he’s been through with [Tommy John] and missing that year. He’s set for life, and that’s the biggest thing in this game. The fact that he gets to wear that uniform for a long time, it’s awesome. That’s what you work towards in this game, and he did it. Couldn’t have happened to a better guy."

Bradish’s breakout year came in 2023, when he finished fourth in American League Cy Young Award voting. He recorded a 2.83 ERA over 30 starts and took the mound for Game 1 of the AL Division Series vs. the Rangers, during which he allowed two runs in 4 2/3 innings in a 3-0 loss.

Bradish was limited to 14 starts across the 2024 and ‘25 seasons, as he underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2024. Still, he posted a combined 2.65 ERA over those campaigns.

This year, Bradish has a 3.61 ERA over 19 starts. He has pitched especially well of late, recording a 2.12 ERA over his final five starts before the All-Star break. Last time out on July 11, he took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning and tossed 6 2/3 frames of one-run ball in a 6-1 win over the Royals at Camden Yards.

"We have believed strongly in Kyle since he first joined the organization as a Minor Leaguer in 2019," Elias said in a statement. "He has worked hard, with the support of our entire development team, to become one of the best starting pitchers in the league. He's an exemplary member of our team and our community, and we are thrilled that he and his family are here to stay. This extension reflects the continued dedication of our ownership group, led by David Rubenstein, to build and sustain a team that our fans and Baltimore can be proud of."

The Orioles are scheduled to hold a press conference with Bradish and Elias on Friday at Camden Yards.