{"id":107768,"date":"2025-09-26T21:23:32","date_gmt":"2025-09-27T01:23:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=107768"},"modified":"2025-09-26T21:23:32","modified_gmt":"2025-09-27T01:23:32","slug":"orioles-2026-bullpen-could-be-bolstered-three-rookies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/09\/26\/orioles-2026-bullpen-could-be-bolstered-three-rookies\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Orioles Bullpen Could Include Three New Prospects"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Baltimore Orioles’ bullpen significantly thinned at the 2025 MLB trade deadline. Gregory Soto<\/a>, Seranthony Dominguez<\/a>, Brian Baker<\/a>, and Andrew Kittredge<\/a> all found themselves on new teams by Aug. 1. All three of them registered ERAs under four and just over 150 strikeouts in just under 150 innings.<\/p>\n

Another blow came in the form of injuries<\/a> when closer F\u00e9lix Bautista<\/a> went down with a torn labrum and rotator cuff. Not only is he going to miss the rest of 2025, but there’s a high likelihood that he’ll miss all of 2026. Albert Suarez<\/a>, who pitched well in the five games he appeared, is also having elbow troubles.<\/p>\n

Fortunately for Baltimore, several arms will either be ready for 2026 or make their debut sometime next season. At least six pitchers are expected to appear for the pitching staff next year, potentially providing long-term relief. Three of these players could become significant parts of the Orioles’ bullpen to fill the void left behind.<\/p>\n

\"Michael
Providence’s Michael Forret (11) pitches during their game at Roberson on May 27, 2022. The Providence Panthers defeated the Roberson Rams 3-0. Credit: \u00a9 Maya Carter\/Asheville Citizen Times \/ USA TODAY NETWORK<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Three Orioles Prospects Who Could Break into Next Year’s Bullpen<\/h2>\n

Michael Forret<\/h3>\n

2025 Stats (A+\/AA): 19 games (18 starts); 2-2; 1.58 ERA; 74 IP; 40 hits and 21 walks (0.824 WHIP); 3 HR; 91 K; .157 OBA<\/em><\/p>\n

Michael Forret<\/a>‘s scouting report shows some aspects of his arsenal and pitching skills to warrant a look for the bullpen. He switches between a two-seamer and a four-seamer, which can touch 97 at points. He also has five extra secondary pitches, including a sweeper and a potential slurve. There’s a lot of versatility that he can use or develop to be effective.<\/p>\n

The results have been fantastic for the 21-year-old. Across 15 starts in High-A, he pitched to a 1.51 ERA while only surrendering 17 walks in 59 2\/3 innings while notching 76 strikeouts. He also surrendered only three home runs on 31 hits, with August being his worst month by surrendering two and holding a 2.77 ERA.<\/p>\n

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11. Michael Forret – RHP – AA<\/p>\n

Forret has been nothing short of dominant this year. A 1.58 ERA between two levels, he’s posted a jaw-dropping 0.82 WHIP. His plus FB can touch high-90s, with a solid Splitter to complement. Another late-round pick that looks to be paying dividends. pic.twitter.com\/MQUyBdqfpe<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Inside The Diamond (@InsideTheDiamnd) September 5, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n