Orioles Acquire Shane Baz From Rays in Blockbuster Pitching Deal

The Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays just shook up the AL East with a bold intradivision trade. Baltimore landed right-hander Shane Baz, aiming to stabilize a rotation that’s still finding its identity.

Tampa Bay, always crafty with their assets, flipped Baz for a package of young talent and a valuable draft pick. They trimmed payroll and added more depth to an already loaded farm system.

Orioles Bet Big on Shane Baz’s Upside

The Orioles have moved out of their rebuild and into a win-now window. This trade really highlights that shift.

By bringing in Baz, Baltimore is betting that his elite stuff and improving health will outweigh his injury history and shaky ERA.

Why Baz Fits Baltimore’s Rotation Plan

Baz, 26, was once a consensus top-10 pitching prospect. The tools that built his hype haven’t vanished.

In 2025, he posted a 4.87 ERA. That number doesn’t exactly wow you, but there’s more beneath the surface.

He struck out nearly 25% of opposing hitters, showing the swing-and-miss ability scouts always saw. The home run ball was his main issue, especially in Tampa Bay’s temporary home park, which played as one of MLB’s most homer-friendly venues for right-handed hitters.

For a power pitcher still working on command, that’s a tough place to pitch. Baltimore thinks a change of scenery—and a different ballpark—can help Baz reach his potential.

Camden Yards’ new left-field dimensions have played more pitcher-friendly lately. The Orioles see Baz keeping the ball in the yard more often.

Electric Stuff, Real Risk

Baz brings the kind of stuff modern front offices crave. His arsenal includes:

That knuckle curve stands out. It’s got sharp, late break and tunnels well off his fastball, making it tough for hitters to read. When Baz is on, he can miss bats like a top-of-the-rotation guy.

Durability is the big question. Baz has had elbow surgery and Tommy John surgery, and those concerns stick around.

He did manage a career-high 166 1/3 innings last season. That’s a real step toward proving he can handle a full workload.

Contract, Control, and the Orioles’ Big-Picture Strategy

This trade is just as much about cost control and roster construction as performance. The Orioles are trying to win now and still keep long-term financial flexibility.

A High-Ceiling Arm on a Team-Friendly Deal

Baz is under team control for three more seasons, with a projected 2025 salary of just $3.1 million. That’s a bargain for a pitcher with his upside, and it keeps Baltimore well below the luxury tax threshold.

He joins a rotation with:

Even with Baz, the Orioles aren’t done. They’re still expected to look for another veteran starter, so this move seems like part of a bigger rotation overhaul.

Baltimore designated left-hander Josh Walker for assignment to open a 40-man roster spot. It’s a routine move, but it shows how crowded their roster has gotten.

Rays Do What Rays Do: Reload and Rebalance

The Rays leaned into their usual formula. They moved a talented but pricier pitcher for a bundle of controllable assets and some payroll relief.

Prospects, Payroll Relief, and Long-Term Depth

Tampa Bay’s return? Classic Rays—volume, upside, and years of control. Heading their way:

Forret is the main pitching piece: a 21-year-old righty with strong command and real mid-rotation upside. The Rays have a knack for turning arms like his into reliable big-league starters or high-leverage relievers.

The Competitive Balance Round A pick adds even more value. Tampa Bay gets another shot at premium amateur talent for a farm system that’s already one of the deepest in the game.

This deal also trims more than $14 million from the Rays’ payroll. For a club that always works with tight finances, that flexibility can go a long way.

What This Trade Means for the AL East Race

The Orioles just made a bold move. They’re clearly trying to boost a rotation that’s needed more strikeout stuff for a while.

If Baz can stay healthy—and keeps the ball in the park—he’s got the tools to pitch near the top of their staff. That would be huge during this stretch where Baltimore’s window to win is wide open.

On the other side, the Rays seem to be thinking long-term again. They’re giving up some immediate pitching talent to stock up their farm system and keep the payroll flexible.

This approach really sums up both clubs. Baltimore’s going for it, while Tampa Bay sticks to their steady, sustainable model.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Orioles To Acquire Shane Baz From Rays