Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Trevor Rogers is expected to reject the team’s qualifying offer, signaling his intent to pursue a lucrative free agency contract. MLB Network insider Jon Morosi reported on X that the 28-year-old left-hander is “almost certain” to decline the tender, a move driven by strong interest from multiple clubs eager to add a proven arm to their rotation. By rejecting the offer, Rogers forgoes the $23.1 million one-year deal but gains the ability to negotiate a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract with any team in Major League Baseball.
Veteran southpaw poised to test open market after career-high innings and improved velocity
Rogers enters the free agency market with significant leverage, having delivered a career-best workload for the Orioles in the 2026 season. He started 30 games and threw a career-high 169.2 innings, demonstrating the durability that front offices prioritize in veteran starters. While his 4.03 ERA may appear average at first glance, underlying metrics suggest his performance was better than the surface numbers indicate. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) sat at 3.45, implying that defensive miscues inflated his earned run average and masking his true effectiveness on the mound.
The southpaw also showed tangible physical improvements, posting a velocity bump that raised his average fastball speed from 92.9 mph to 93.8 mph. This increase in arm strength, combined with his ability to limit walks, makes him an attractive option for contenders looking to stabilize their rotations. As the free agency window opens, Rogers is positioned to command a premium price, with teams likely competing to secure his services before the market cools.
Source: Yahoo Sports
