Potential Orioles trade chip staying put with extension

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Yennier Cano. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Potential Orioles trade chip staying put with extension

By David Hill | Last updated Jul 31, 2026 6:28 PM ET

Baltimore Oriole s reliever Yennier Cano had been regarded as a possible trade chip ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline. That may no longer be the case.

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Orioles have signed Cano to a two-year extension worth a guaranteed $7.5 million with a $10 million team option for 2029. The value of the option could increase based on how many games Cano finishes over those two years.

As Cano had two arbitration years remaining, the Orioles essentially bought out both years while adding another year of team control.

A late bloomer, Cano established himself as one of the premier setup men in the game during an All-Star showing in 2023. He has shaken off a disappointing performance in 2025 to re-establish himself as a late-inning weapon in Baltimore this season, posting a 2.21 ERA and a 0.955 WHIP over his 36.2 innings, striking out 31 batters with eight walks.

Yennier Cano gets $7.5 million guaranteed over 2027-2028, with a $10 million club option for 2029, per source. The option can escalate based on games finished.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 31, 2026

Extension removes Baltimore Orioles reliever Yennier Cano from trade discussions

Reports on Thursday indicated that the Orioles could look to straddle the line between buying and selling ahead of the trade deadline. While impending free agents such as pitchers Trevor Rogers and Andrew Kittridge and/or outfielder Taylor Ward were regarded as probable trade chips, there was speculation that the Orioles could look to move controllable relievers such as Cano as well.

This extension effectively removes Cano from the market. While he would not have been regarded as an instant difference-maker, the Orioles would have likely had a robust market for his services. Instead, he will remain in Baltimore as a key part of their playoff hopes in 2027 and 2028.

David Hill

Based in the mountains of Vermont, Dave has over a decade of experience writing about all things baseball. Just don't ask his thoughts on the universal DH.

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