Keegan

Akin

MLBTradeRumors.com had projected that Akin would earn $1.4 million via arbitration, so it appears to be a fair deal for both parties. The 29-year-old southpaw was an absolute force out of the O’s bullpen in 2024, registering a 3.32 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and a 97/19 K/BB ratio over 78 2/3 innings in his 66 appearances.

This was one heck of a time for Akin to save his first game since 2022. Many Seranthony Dominguez fantasy managers were certainly looking on wondering why he was not brought in after the Yankees scored four runs in the ninth inning and forced the save situation. Alas, the final week of the regular season will always be unforgiving.

Akin returns after three days on the paternity list. He’s been a key member of the Orioles bullpen this year with a 3.52 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 78 strikeouts in 64 innings.

Akin will be away from the club for at least a couple days while on paternity leave. The 29-year-old has been excellent this season for the Orioles, making a career-high 51 relief appearances.

Akin is back six days after his undeserved demotion. The lefty has a 3.34 ERA in 56 2/3 innings out of the Orioles pen this season.

With Trevor Rogers being added to the active roster, the Orioles needed to free up some space, and Akin was the odd man out. The 29-year-old has been solid this year, posting a 3.34 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 67:16 K:BB ratio in 56 2/3 innings out of the bullpen. He figures to get another chance to pitch out of the big league bullpen this season.

Akin didn’t pitch after June due to a back injury. The 28-year-old reports not needing surgery to address the back injury and is ready to begin pitching in spring training. The southpaw is coming off a dreadful season where he posted a 6.85 ERA, 1.78 WHIP, and 27/7 K/BB ratio over 23 2/3 innings before landing on the injured list in June. This spring, he will likely be in the mix for a bulk relief role in the Orioles bullpen.

The 28-year-old southpaw was projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to earn around $800,000 in arbitration, so it’s likely that the two sides reached an accord somewhere around that figure. After a terrific 2022 season with the O’s, Akin struggled mightily in 2023 — posting a cringe-inducing 6.85 ERA, 1.78 WHIP and a 27/7 K/BB ratio over 23 2/3 innings before ultimately landing on the injured list at the end of June with discomfort in his lower back.

Akin had a setback with his back after initially beginning a rehab assignment at the end of last month. He’ll be eligible to come off the 60-day IL this weekend, but he’s due to miss at least another couple of weeks.

Akin has been out since late June due to lower back discomfort and should be ready to return to Baltimore’s relief mix in a few weeks, if not sooner.