Did the Orioles Overpay or Outsmart the Rays in Landing a Former First-Rounder?
The Baltimore Orioles added another significant piece to their pitching staff on Friday afternoon, acquiring right-hander Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for four Minor Leaguers and a Competitive Balance Round A pick. The trade marks Baltimore’s most aggressive pitching move of the offseason to date, signaling a continued commitment from the front office to overhaul a rotation that struggled with depth and consistency last season. Baz, a former top prospect who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, brings a high-upside arm with controllable years and the potential to stabilize the back end of Baltimore’s rotation. It’s the kind of bold, high-reward deal that underscores just how different this Orioles regime has become under new ownership.
When healthy, Baz possesses electric stuff highlighted by a fastball that touches the mid-to-upper 90s and a slider that can miss bats at any level. The 26-year-old right-hander showcased that promise before his injury, flashing frontline potential in his brief run with Tampa Bay. For a Baltimore team that currently projects a rotation led by Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, and Dean Kremer, Baz introduces another capable starter who complements that trio’s varying styles. His ability to generate power stuff and attack hitters late in counts could be pivotal in giving new manager Craig Albernaz greater flexibility deep into games, something Baltimore sorely lacked amid bullpen fatigue last season.
What makes Baz particularly valuable beyond his high velocity and strikeout ability is his long-term team control. The Orioles will have the right to keep him under contract through the 2028 season, offering stability at a time when pitching costs are skyrocketing league-wide. That fact alone helps explain the price Baltimore paid; sending a package of prospects and a compensation pick to a divisional rival is no small move. Yet for a team looking to build sustained contention in the AL East, the Orioles saw enough upside in Baz’s recovery and potential breakout to justify the risk. It’s a calculated gamble, and exactly the kind of aggressive, win-now posture fans have been clamoring for.
The Orioles’ front office and ownership group have made it clear that this offseason is about transformation, not transition. The addition of Baz comes just a week after the team made headlines by signing slugger Pete Alonso to a five-year deal, the largest contract of Baltimore’s new era. Combined, these moves show a willingness to flex financial muscle and deepen the roster in ways rarely seen over the past decade. Plus, with reports still linking the club to potential free-agent targets like Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez, it’s evident that general manager Mike Elias isn’t finished building yet. Following a 2025 season that fell short of the postseason, Baltimore is acting like a team determined to return to October, and the acquisition of Shane Baz could be a decisive step toward making that happen.
