The Baltimore Orioles have been active this winter, adding Pete Alonso on a $155 million deal, Ryan Helsley on a $28 million deal, and Taylor Ward in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels.
But, if there was one position that the Orioles still needed to improve upon this winter, it was the starting rotation. While Baltimore could go after one of the top free agents, they've instead turned to the trade market.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Orioles are swinging a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for a 26-year-old right-handed starter with a career 4.25 ERA in 54 starts. That new pitcher coming to Baltimore is righty Shane Baz, and the Orioles had to give up a lot to get him.
Orioles finalizing trade of multiple prospects for Shane Baz
ESPN's Jeff Passan shared the return that the Orioles had to give up for Baz, and it's a doozy. Baltimore is sending Slater de Brun, Caden Bodine, Michael Forret, Austin Overn, and a Competitve Balance Round A pick for Baz.
Brun is the Orioles sixth ranked prospect, while Bodine is 10th, Forret is 11th, and Overn is 30th according to MLB Pipeline's rankings. On top of the strong prospect return, the Orioles are sending a draft pick as well.
Shane Baz is joining the Orioles' pitching staff after a few seasons with the Rays. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, missed the entire 2023 season, and made 14 starts in 2024 and 31 starts in 2025.
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In 2025 with the Rays, the right-hander had a 4.87 ERA in 31 starts with a 10-12 record. Across 166.1 innings pitched, he struck out 176 batters, walked 64, and allowed 26 home runs.
His 84 ERA+ was the second-worst mark of his MLB career, but the potential he's shown at times in his big league career is enough for the Orioles to invest in Baz.
Baz is under control for three more seasons, with the right-hander hitting free agency after the 2028 season. Baltimore now has a strong rotation with Baz in the fold, though it came at a very high cost.
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