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2026 Orioles Bullpen Could Include Three New Prospects

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The Baltimore Orioles’ bullpen significantly thinned at the 2025 MLB trade deadline. Gregory Soto, Seranthony Dominguez, Brian Baker, and Andrew Kittredge 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.

Another blow came in the form of injuries when closer Félix Bautista 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, who pitched well in the five games he appeared, is also having elbow troubles.

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.

Michael Forret is one Orioles prospect worth following in 2026 and beyond.
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: © Maya Carter/Asheville Citizen Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Three Orioles Prospects Who Could Break into Next Year’s Bullpen

Michael Forret

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

Michael Forret‘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.

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.

He performed well at Double-A, pitching to a 1.88 ERA over three starts in 14 1/3 innings. Forret had a small increase in walk rate, but it’s too small a sample size to make any determinations. All of his numbers improved year-over-year, while his strikeout rate remained stable.

The only downside is that he does not pitch out of the fifth inning frequently. That alone makes him a great candidate for being the Orioles’ backup closer or a setup man if he continues developing. Converting a starter to the bullpen can work, but only if he relies on his most effective pitches.

Trey Gibson

2025 Stats (A+/AA/AAA): 26 games (25 starts); 5-8; 4.26 ERA; 120 1/3 IP; 102 hits and 44 walks (1.213 WHIP); 13 HR; 166 K; .224 OBA

Trey Gibson, like Forret, has an advanced arsenal of five pitches, including a plus-graded fastball and slider. His fastball can average a healthy 95 miles an hour, and all of his secondary offerings average in the 80s. There are some questions about his command, but it seems like he has some type of control over it.

He pitched well in Double-A, tossing a 1.55 ERA with 68 strikeouts over 52 1/3 innings pitched. He did surrender 18 walks, but he surrendered only one home run. The 23-year-old’s number regressed significantly in Triple-A, however, surrendering five home runs and 12 walks in 29 1/3 innings pitched.

One of the issues Gibson is facing at Triple-A is that his secondary pitches are getting crushed at an obscene rate. His sweeper has an expected slugging average of .742, while his slider sits at .585. All of his offerings sit below a 30% whiff rate, and all of them, save for his sinker, sit at a hard hit percentage over 30%.

A sudden downturn in efficiency could either mean an undiagnosed injury or a need to adjust to a higher level. Expect him to undergo a lot of development training before he appears in the Orioles’ bullpen.

Luis De Leon

2025 Stats (A/A+/AA): 20 games (18 starts); 5-3; 3.30 ERA; 87 1/3 IP; 65 hits and 41 walks (1.214 WHIP); 0 HR; 107 K; .203 OBA

Luis De Leon might have the highest upside of the three pitchers listed here. He’s got tremendous potential given his fastball and his developing slider. Scouting reports do note that his effectiveness depends on mechanics, which can lead to poor command if they don’t work.

It was apparent last year, when he walked 49 batters in 87 innings while surrendering five home runs. This year, he walked 41 batters in the same time frame with no home runs surrendered. With each level he pitched in, De Leon seemingly got better. The question is whether his stamina suffers if he begins adding velocity and sharpening his break.

He could easily slide into the bullpen as a closer for the Orioles if all of his stuff works, especially if his fastball begins hitting 100. He could be getting looks at spring training this year or at least general training with the big-league team.

 

Main Photo Credit: © Ron Schloerb/Cape Cod Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

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