Orioles Make 'Shocking' Pitching Decision Ahead of Opening Day

Baltimore options Dean Kremer, last year's wins leader, to minor leagues

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:54pm

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The Baltimore Orioles have made a surprising move in their pitching rotation, opting to send Dean Kremer, who led the team with 11 wins and 171.1 innings pitched last season, to the minor leagues to start the 2026 campaign. The Orioles' tentative rotation will instead feature Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, and Zach Eflin.

Why it matters

Kremer has been a key part of the Orioles' pitching staff since 2020, and his demotion to the minors is an unexpected decision as the team looks to build on its 75-87 record from last season and make a push in the competitive AL East division.

The details

According to reports, the Orioles have 'shockingly' optioned Kremer to minor league camp, despite his strong 2025 season in which he posted a 4.19 ERA with 142 strikeouts. The team's projected starting rotation to begin the 2026 season will instead feature Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Shane Baz, Chris Bassitt, and Zach Eflin.

  • The Orioles are preparing for the 2026 MLB season, which begins on March 26.
  • Kremer played in 31 games for the Orioles in 2025.

The players

Dean Kremer

A pitcher who has been with the Baltimore Orioles since 2020 and led the team with 11 wins and 171.1 innings pitched in 2025.

Trevor Rogers

One of the pitchers expected to be in the Orioles' starting rotation to begin the 2026 season.

Kyle Bradish

One of the pitchers expected to be in the Orioles' starting rotation to begin the 2026 season.

Shane Baz

One of the pitchers expected to be in the Orioles' starting rotation to begin the 2026 season.

Chris Bassitt

One of the pitchers expected to be in the Orioles' starting rotation to begin the 2026 season.

Zach Eflin

One of the pitchers expected to be in the Orioles' starting rotation to begin the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“A shocking roster move by the Orioles: Dean Kremer has been optioned to minor league camp.”

— Jacob Calvin Meyer, Reporter

What’s next

It remains to be seen how Kremer's role will change throughout the year and when he will come back to the main roster after a minor league stint, as he just competed with Team Israel during the World Baseball Classic.

The takeaway

The Orioles' decision to option their 2025 wins leader Kremer to the minors is a surprising move as the team looks to build on last season and make a push in the AL East. This highlights the competitive nature of the Orioles' pitching staff and the difficult decisions the team faces in finalizing its rotation.