Will the Orioles Unexpected Ace Claim AL Comeback Player of the Year?
Trevor Rogers has emerged as a dramatic and unexpected ace for the Baltimore Orioles in 2025, positioning himself as a legitimate contender for the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award. After a difficult transition last season following the midyear trade from Miami, Rogers faced considerable skepticism. His initial 2024 stint in Baltimore was marred by inconsistency and poor results, culminating in a 7.11 ERA over four starts to finish the year. As a result, he began the 2025 season in Triple-A, working to rebuild his form and confidence away from the Major League spotlight.
The Orioles’ pitching rotation was heavily tested this season due to injuries and setbacks, intensifying the search for a reliable frontline starter to lead the staff moving forward. Rogers seized that opportunity and responded in remarkable fashion. In 17 starts this year, he has compiled a stellar 9-2 record with an exceptional 1.35 ERA and a 0.87 WHIP, striking out 100 while walking only 26. This level of performance made him the only Orioles starting pitcher to allow two or fewer runs in 15 consecutive outings through the year, setting a franchise record for consistency and dominance not seen since the era of Mike Mussina. His ability to develop and effectively utilize multiple pitches beyond his fastball and changeup has played a crucial role in this resurgence.
The trade that brought Rogers to Baltimore last year, giving up highly regarded prospects Connor Norby and Kyle Stowers, had initially seemed a lost cause, with many fans and analysts criticizing the deal. However, Rogers' 2025 turnaround has changed the narrative entirely. His contributions earned him the prestigious Louis M. Hatter Most Valuable Oriole Award, a franchise honor recognizing the team's top performer, and he became the first pitcher to win it since 2002. This recognition cements Rogers' transformation from a struggling trade deadline acquisition to the clear ace and cornerstone in Baltimore’s efforts to return to contention next season.
As the Orioles enter the final stretch of the regular season, Rogers is set to make his last start on Friday night against the New York Yankees. This game takes on additional significance as Baltimore aims to play spoiler against their AL East rivals, who are tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for first place. Rogers’ ability to sustain his pitching excellence under pressure will be scrutinized closely, but his 2025 season has already written a compelling comeback story. His journey from near obscurity late last year to becoming Baltimore’s ace poses a strong case for the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award, rewarding persistence, skill development, and his instrumental role in stabilizing one of baseball’s most injury-plagued rotations.
In summary, Trevor Rogers’ 2025 campaign reflects a remarkable resurgence that revitalized his career. It also gave the Orioles a much-needed leader on the mound. His statistical dominance, combined with the context of overcoming adversity and proving doubters wrong, positions him as a leading candidate for the comeback award, while also providing hope that Baltimore’s pitching staff has a reliable anchor moving forward into their rebuilding future. This narrative, crowned by his MVO accolade and culminating in a high-stakes final start, makes for a compelling story of perseverance and redemption in the 2025 MLB season.
