With the trade deadline approaching in Major League Baseball, the O’s find themselves in the thick of the AL wildcard race. The team is just 2.5 GB of the final wildcard spot, and they need to make moves quickly if they want to continue moving upwards. They started that earlier Friday when they resigned relief pitcher Yennier Cano to a 2-year deal.
The contract gives the O’s control through the 2027-28 seasons with a team option in 2029. This extension comes with Cano in the midst of a career year. The Cuban right-hander has pitched to an ERA just over two with 31 strikeouts in 48 appearances for the birds.
2026 has been a campaign of redemption for Cano. The 2025 season was not very kind to Cano, as he had an ERA north of 5 and a high BAA. Since then he has quickly returned to his All-Star form from the 2023 season.
If the Baltimore Orioles want to keep their playoff hopes alive, it is imperative that Cano continues pitching at this level. This move may come as a surprise to many around the league, as Cano was one of the most coveted pitchers on the market at this year’s deadline. Keeping Cano gives O’s fans hope that the O’s look at themselves as buyers, not sellers.
