Trevor Rogers dazzled for Baltimore with six scoreless innings, dropping his season ERA to 1.35 and improving to 9-2. He has now delivered 15 straight starts allowing two runs or fewer, the longest streak in MLB this year, and he’s finally looking like the mid-career ace the Orioles hoped for when they acquired him. Baltimore’s playoff hopes hinge on continued pitching consistency, and Rogers appears to be the anchor as the lineup drives just enough offense to win 4-2 over the Yankees.

In a year with few bright spots, this performance reframes the Orioles’ outlook for 2026, especially after the Stowers-Norby trade that sent two promising prospects to Miami for the right-hander. New York managed just one hit until late in the game, with Aaron Judge struck out twice by Rogers while Mountcastle lauded his rhythm. The combination of Rogers’ health, the prospect-turned-asset balance, and the looming possibility of a competitive 2026 makes this a pivotal moment for Baltimore.

Hitters trimming chase rates, boosting contact, and pulling the ball with more authority have posted stronger results in the second half. Nick Kurtz surges to a 220 wRC+ since mid-June, batting .342 with a .453 on-base and .743 slug since July 1, and 24 homers. Brayan Rocchio and Kyle Stowers follow, with Rocchio at 95 wRC+ since July 1 and Stowers at .306/.391/.634 in 39 games with 12 long balls.

Lenyn Sosa shows the biggest three-way gains, while Mike Trout adds power through increased Pulled Air%, even as overall numbers lag. Bo Naylor and Pete Crow-Armstrong post improved swing data but fall in results, underscoring the through-line: better plate decisions don’t always yield immediate fantasy dividends. The piece frames these process gains as bets for 2025 rosters.

In short, track O-Swing, Contact% and Pulled Air% as you project next season’s fantasy values, since those adjustments have real, trackable upside beyond the current season.