- The Baltimore Orioles acquired right-handed pitcher Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays in a four-prospect and draft pick deal.
- Baz, 26, offers the Orioles rotation needed depth and control through the 2028 season.
- Tampa Bay receives a package centered around outfielder Slater from Brun, the Orioles’ No. 6 prospect.
- The trade highlights Baltimore’s commitment to contention and Tampa Bay’s focus on prospect development.
Baltimore, MD – December 19, 2025 – The Baltimore Orioles dramatically bolstered their starting pitching rotation Friday, acquiring right-hander Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays. The move, a rare trade between these American League East rivals, signals a clear intent from Baltimore to compete in the upcoming season.
The Orioles sent four prospects and a competitive round draft pick in 2026 to Tampa Bay for Baz, who will be under team control through the 2028 season. What does this trade mean for the Orioles’ pitching staff? It provides a young, potentially dominant arm to a rotation that faced challenges in 2025, offering both immediate help and long-term stability.
A Valuable Addition to the Rotation
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Baz, 26, arrives in Baltimore with a tantalizing blend of power and potential. Despite a career interrupted by injuries, including Tommy John surgery in September 2022 that sidelined him for the entire 2023 season, he finished 2025 with a 10-12 record and an impressive 176 strikeouts across 31 starts and 166 1/3 innings. His fastball averages 97 mph, complemented by a curveball, cutter, changeup, and slider.
The Rays, known for their shrewd player development and trades, received a significant return. Outfielder Slater from Brun, ranked as the Orioles’ No. 6 prospect, headlines the package. He was selected in the first round of the 2025 draft and is lauded for his speed and defensive capabilities.
Prospects on the Move
In addition to Slater, Tampa Bay also acquired catcher Caden Bodine, a switch-hitter with advanced offensive and defensive tools; pitcher Michael Forret, who excelled in the minor leagues in 2025; and outfielder Austin Overn, who reached the Double-A level last season. The draft pick adds further value to the deal, allowing the Rays to select a promising young player in 2026.
Baz’s Journey to Baltimore
Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first round of the 2017 draft (12th overall), Baz was traded to the Rays in 2018 as part of the deal that sent Chris Archer to Pittsburgh. He made his major league debut in 2021, but injuries hampered his early progress. His 2025 performance, while yielding a 4.87 ERA, hinted at the dominance he’s capable of, with advanced metrics suggesting room for improvement.
Orioles’ Rotation Takes Shape
With Baz joining Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Dean Kremer, and Tyler Wells, the Orioles’ rotation gains both depth and versatility. Depth options include Cade Povich, Albert Suárez, and Brandon Young. Baltimore’s front office has indicated they may still pursue additional starting pitching, with free agents Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez reportedly on their radar.
This acquisition follows the Orioles’ earlier offseason moves, including the signing of Pete Alonso, demonstrating a clear commitment to building a competitive roster. The team is clearly aiming to make a strong push in the American League East.
Looking Ahead: Expectations for Baz
A change of scenery could benefit Baz. He performed better on the road in 2025, and Oriole Park at Camden Yards may provide a more favorable environment. The Orioles’ coaching staff will focus on refining his command and maximizing his potential. His youth and contractual control align with the team’s competitive timeline, making this a calculated risk with a potentially high reward.
Baltimore remains active in the winter market, continuing to add pieces to both the lineup and the bullpen. The focus now shifts to solidifying the rotation for the 2026 season and beyond.
