The Baltimore Orioles look ready to make a big move for their pitching rotation. Reports say they’re close to landing right-hander Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays.
This potential trade could shake things up for both teams. The Orioles want to strengthen their roster for the coming season, while the Rays seem set to cash in on their pitching depth.
Let’s dig into the details of this possible deal. What does it mean for both clubs? And how might Baz fit into Baltimore’s plans?
Shane Baz: A Rising Star in MLB
Shane Baz has turned heads in Major League Baseball since the Pirates drafted him in the first round back in 2017. He ended up with the Rays after they traded Chris Archer to Pittsburgh.
Baz climbed the Rays’ system quickly, flashing serious pitching talent and earning a call-up to the big leagues. In 2025, he posted a 3.45 ERA and racked up 180 strikeouts over 150 innings.
His fastball regularly hits the upper 90s, and his slider is downright nasty. Facing Baz isn’t exactly a treat for hitters, to put it mildly.
The Orioles have their eyes on him for good reason. Baz could anchor their pitching staff for years.
Why the Orioles Need Shane Baz
Baltimore’s been rebuilding for a while now. Adding a pitcher like Baz could speed things up in a big way.
Here are a few reasons why Baz could change the game for the Orioles:
- Immediate Impact: Baz can step in and give the Orioles’ rotation a real jolt right away.
- Long-Term Potential: At just 26, he’s got plenty of high-level pitching ahead of him. That’s a long runway.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Baz brings experience from a winning Rays club, and that could help Baltimore’s younger arms grow.
The Trade Details
The exact terms aren’t final yet, but it sounds like the Orioles will send a package of prospects to Tampa for Baz. The Rays love developing young talent, so this could be a chance for them to reload their farm system and stay strong in the AL East.
Baltimore will probably have to give up some of their best prospects to get Baz. That shows they’re serious about building a contender and willing to invest in proven arms.
Potential Prospects Involved
No official names yet, but a few Orioles prospects could be in play:
- Gunnar Henderson: A power-hitting infielder with serious defensive chops.
- DL Hall: A lefty with a big strikeout rate and the potential to become a top starter.
- Jordan Westburg: An infielder who can hit and play multiple positions.
Implications for the Tampa Bay Rays
Trading Baz might surprise some folks, given his talent. But the Rays have a habit of making bold trades that keep them competitive and stocked with young talent.
By picking up top prospects from Baltimore, Tampa can keep building for the future. They know how to stay in the AL East mix year after year.
Strength in Depth
The Rays have one of baseball’s deepest pitching staffs. That gives them the freedom to deal someone like Baz without gutting their rotation.
Several young arms are ready to step up, so Tampa can make this move and still keep rolling.
- Developing Talent: The Rays just keep churning out pitching talent, and this trade could give them even more chances to do that.
- Strategic Planning: By adding top prospects, Tampa’s setting themselves up for long-term success. It’s hard to argue with their track record.
Conclusion
The potential trade of Shane Baz to the Baltimore Orioles is turning heads this MLB offseason. For Baltimore, picking up Baz feels like a genuine leap in their rebuilding journey.
He’s young, talented, and honestly, Orioles fans might be eager to see what he can do right away. The Rays, on the other hand, see this as a shot to beef up their farm system and keep that pipeline of prospects flowing.
If you’re curious about the full story or want a deeper dive, check out the full report here.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
