Orioles Acquire RHP Shane Baz in Major Trade With Rays
Orioles Acquire Shane Baz From Rays in Blockbuster AL East Trade
BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles have taken a significant step to strengthen their starting rotation, acquiring right-handed pitcher Shane Baz from division rival Tampa Bay Rays in a blockbuster trade finalized Friday.
In return, the Rays receive four prospects and a 2026 Competitive Balance Round A draft pick, signaling Baltimore’s strong belief that Baz can play a key role in its rotation moving forward.
🔁 Trade Details
Orioles receive:
- RHP Shane Baz
Rays receive:
- OF Slater de Brun (Orioles No. 6 prospect)
- C Caden Bodine (No. 10)
- RHP Michael Forret (No. 11)
- OF Austin Overn (No. 30)
- 2026 Competitive Balance Round A Draft Pick
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Why the Orioles Made the Move
Baltimore’s front office clearly paid a premium, but the organization views Baz as a high-upside arm capable of stabilizing a rotation that has needed reinforcement. At 26 years old, Baz still has room to grow and remains under team control through the 2028 season, making the move both aggressive and forward-looking.
Baz’s Background and Recent Performance
Baz was originally selected 12th overall by the Pirates in the 2017 MLB Draft before eventually landing with Tampa Bay. His professional career has been slowed by injuries, most notably Tommy John surgery in September 2022, which sidelined him for the entire 2023 season.
Despite durability concerns earlier in his career, Baz took a major step forward in 2025, setting career highs in:
- Starts: 31
- Innings pitched: 166 1/3
- Strikeouts: 176
He finished the season with a 4.87 ERA, a figure Baltimore believes can improve with continued health and development.
Updated Orioles Rotation Outlook
With Baz now in the mix, the Orioles’ projected starting rotation looks like:
- RHP Kyle Bradish
- LHP Trevor Rogers
- RHP Shane Baz
- RHP Dean Kremer
- RHP Tyler Wells
Rotation depth includes:
- LHP Cade Povich
- RHP Albert Suárez
- RHP Brandon Young
What’s Next for Baltimore?
The Orioles may not be finished reshaping their pitching staff. The team has reportedly remained active in discussions involving top free-agent starters, including Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez, as Baltimore looks to elevate its rotation to contender-level depth.
Adding another frontline arm remains a possibility as the club continues positioning itself for a deeper
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❓ Who did the Orioles trade for Shane Baz
Baltimore acquired Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for four prospects and a 2026 Competitive Balance Round A draft pick.
❓ How old is Shane Baz and how long is he under team control
Baz is 26 years old and remains under team control through the end of the 2028 MLB season.
❓ Why did the Orioles target Shane Baz
The Orioles needed rotation upgrades and believe Baz’s upside, durability progress, and strikeout ability can strengthen their pitching staff.
❓ What did the Rays get in return
Tampa Bay received four Orioles prospects — Slater de Brun, Caden Bodine, Michael Forret, and Austin Overn — plus a valuable 2026 draft pick.