Cal Raleigh and MLB’s Most Overhyped Stars for 2026 Season

2026 Stats: 4 GS, 0-2, 5.49 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 10 BB, 21 Okay, 19.2 IP

Expectations: During his final absolutely wholesome season in 2023, Kyle Bradish had a 2.83 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 168 strikeouts in 168.2 innings to complete fourth in AL Cy Young voting. His follow-up efficiency was lower quick by Tommy John surgical procedure, which sidelined him till final August, however he was lights out upon returning, with a 2.53 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 32 innings. That return to kind probably contributed to the Orioles lack of prioritizing a top-of-the-rotation addition through the offseason.

Reality: The O’s settled for Shane Baz and Chris Bassitt as their largest rotation additions, banking on full seasons of Bradish and Trevor Rogers elevating the employees to a different stage. Instead, they rank twentieth within the majors with a 4.27 ERA from their starters. Bradish has allowed 22 hits and 12 earned runs in 19.2 innings. His 3.21 FIP suggests some constructive regression is coming, however counting on it for frontline manufacturing could have been a misstep.