The Baltimore Orioles just made a bold, nuanced bet on their pitching future. They dealt four prospects and a Competitive Balance Round A pick to land right-hander Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays.
This move shakes up the Rays’ farm system and gives Baltimore another high-upside arm with three years of control. But it doesn’t really solve the club’s most pressing need: a true, unquestioned No. 1 starter at the top of the rotation.
Orioles Land Shane Baz, But Ace Question Lingers
Trading a hefty prospect package for Shane Baz looks like an “all-in” move for a club trying to go from contender to real World Series threat. Inside the Orioles’ front office, though, Baz is seen as a strong rotation piece—not the staff anchor fans keep asking for.
Instead of shaking up the hierarchy, Baz will probably slot behind lefty Trevor Rogers. He’ll reinforce depth more than redefine the team’s identity.
The search for a true No. 1 starter is still very much alive in Baltimore.
Why Baz Is a Piece, Not the Centerpiece
Baz arrives with tantalizing stuff and real upside, but Baltimore doesn’t see him as a classic ace. His value comes from his talent and three years of team control, which matters a lot as the Orioles’ rotation faces looming uncertainty.
What does Baz bring?
He’s a crucial support beam, not the franchise’s pitching foundation. That’s just the reality.
Kyle Bradish: The Ace Profile With Health Questions
If the Orioles are going to find a frontline starter, Kyle Bradish is still the likeliest internal candidate. Inside the organization, Bradish is the pitcher most often described in ace-level terms, even though elbow trouble has interrupted his rise.
Bradish has already delivered the kind of performances that earn that label in today’s game. He owns both the résumé and the underlying metrics front offices love.
Bradish’s Track Record Demands Attention
Before surgery slowed him, Bradish established himself as one of the American League’s most effective starters. His recent highlights include:
Health has been the setback, not skill. Limited starts in 2024–25 have made everyone a bit cautious, but internal reports say he could be ready by Opening Day.
If he comes back close to peak form, Bradish is again the closest thing Baltimore has to a homegrown ace. That’s a big “if,” but it’s hard not to wonder.
Trevor Rogers’ Remarkable Reinvention in Baltimore
While Bradish carries the ace ceiling, Trevor Rogers has become the heart of the current rotation. His transformation in Baltimore is one of the most striking turnarounds in franchise history.
Rogers arrived with question marks after struggles in 2024. He leaves the 2025 season as both a personal success story and a key part of the club’s competitive core.
From Question Mark to Most Valuable Oriole
Rogers’ 2025 campaign was just stunning:
His rebound wasn’t just about mechanics. Health, mental preparation, and full organizational buy-in all mattered. Pitching coach Drew French points to Rogers’ willingness to embrace adjustments, stay grounded, and keep improving as the real engine behind his turnaround.
Rotation Stability, Contract Timelines, and Baz’s True Value
As good as Rogers has been, his future in Baltimore isn’t certain. He could hit free agency after the season, which adds pressure to an already delicate long-term rotation puzzle.
Bradish, by contrast, is under team control through 2028. That gives the organization a longer runway to build around him—if his health holds up.
This is where the Baz trade really matters, even if he’s not a traditional No. 1 starter. There’s something to be said for having options, right?
Why the Baz Trade Still Matters in the Big Picture
With three years of club control, Baz steps in as a stabilizer for a staff with contracts all over the place. His presence:
For president of baseball operations Mike Elias, this trade isn’t some grand finale—it’s just one more piece in a bigger puzzle. He gives every sign he’ll keep looking for pitching help as Opening Day creeps closer, whether that’s through trades or free agency.
Here is the source article for this story: Importance of Bradish and Rogers remains after Orioles trade for Baz
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