Orioles Make Bold Move by Landing Shane Baz in Major Trade with Rays
Right now, one of the most talked-about stories in baseball is the Baltimore Orioles making a significant move by acquiring right-handed pitcher Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays. This isn’t a small, quiet transaction. It’s the kind of trade that immediately sparks debate, excitement, and plenty of second-guessing across the league, especially since it happened within the same division.
From Baltimore’s perspective, this move is clearly about upside and timing. Shane Baz is only 26, and while his numbers don’t jump off the page at first glance, the potential is still very real. During the 2025 season, he made 31 starts for Tampa Bay, throwing over 166 innings and striking out 176 batters. That workload alone mattered, because durability had been one of the lingering questions surrounding him. A 4.87 ERA and a 1.335 WHIP were posted, but context matters here. It’s been pointed out that Baz pitched many of his home games in a hitter-friendly minor league ballpark, where his home run numbers were inflated. Away from home, he looked far more effective, and that’s part of what the Orioles are betting on.
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In return, the Rays walked away with a massive haul. Baltimore sent outfielder Slater de Brun, catcher Caden Bodine, right-hander Michael Forret, outfielder Austin Overn, and a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick to Tampa Bay. That’s a lot of young talent and future value being moved for one pitcher, which is why reactions have been so mixed. For some, it feels like an overpay. For others, it’s simply the cost of acquiring a controllable arm with legitimate upside.
From Tampa Bay’s side, the deal fits a familiar pattern. The Rays have long been known for flipping players before they become too expensive, restocking their system, and trusting their development pipeline. With multiple prospects and an extra high draft pick added, it’s clear that long-term value was prioritized over immediate rotation stability.
For the Orioles, this trade signals intent. After a disappointing 2025 season, changes were expected, and this move shows they’re willing to push their chips forward. Baz isn’t being brought in as a guaranteed ace, but rather as a pitcher who could settle into the middle of the rotation with the chance to be more if things click. With several years of team control remaining, he fits Baltimore’s competitive window.
In the end, this is the kind of trade that won’t be fully judged for years. If Baz stays healthy and sharpens his consistency, the Orioles may look brilliant. If the prospects flourish in Tampa Bay, the Rays will once again be praised for playing the long game. For now, though, one thing is clear: this deal has reshaped expectations for both teams, and it has made the AL East even more fascinating to watch.
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