The Baltimore Orioles have been one of the more active teams so far this offseason. They've brought in Pete Alonso, Ryan Helsley, Taylor Ward, and now Shane Baz in a string of moves to show their intention to contend in 2026.
While their signings of Alonso and Helsley were met with praise, the trades for Ward and now Baz have been met with questions. While the Ward trade was just Grayson Rodriguez, the Baz deal with the Tampa Bay Rays was for a massive haul.
ESPN's David Schoenfield handed out grades for this blockbuster trade, and while the Rays received an "A" for this deal, the Orioles and Mike Elias received a lackluster "C" grade for their end of the blockbuster trade between AL East rivals.
Orioles receive a lackluster 'C' grade for Shane Baz Rays trade
"He does come with three years of team control and will make an estimated $3.1 million in 2026," Schoenfield writes, "so he's a nice fit for the payroll, but he doesn't project right now as a top-of-the-rotation starter like he did pre-injury."
Baltimore is taking a risk on Baz, as he's coming off a few years removed from Tommy John surgery, and hasn't been the same pitcher since.
The right-hander was acquired by the Orioles in exchange for a huge haul. The Orioles sent top prospects Slater de Brun, Caden Bodine, Michael Forret, Austin Overn, and also included a Competitive Balance Round A pick.
All of the prospects the Orioles sent are among their best, with Brun, Bodin, and Forret being arguable top-10 prospects in the Orioles' farm system.
More: Orioles' best trade candidate might be a tough sell after a.653 OPS 2025
This trade came at a steep cost, and Baz, coming off a 4.87 ERA season for the Rays in 2025, will need to turn things around in a major way to pay off this deal for the Orioles.
The 26-year-old had a 3.06 ERA in 2024, and while he took a step back in 2025, there's still a lot of hope with Baz. Many around the Major Leagues like Baz as a potential high-end starter, but there is some risk involved.
That risk, combined with the steep price tag the Orioles had to spend, made the Orioles trade for the Rays right-hander one that Schoenfield graded as just a "C". It can be a solid deal, but for now, it looks like an overpay.
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