Orioles Bolster Rotation with Acquisition of Shane Baz in Blockbuster Trade
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In a major move to revamp their pitching staff, the Baltimore Orioles have acquired right-hander Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for four minor leaguers and a draft pick. The 26-year-old Baz, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, made a strong comeback last season with a 4-3 record and 3.06 ERA in 14 starts. This season, he's off to an even better start with a 4-3 record and 3.06 ERA in 14 starts. The Orioles, who signed free agent slugger Pete Alonso to a $155 million contract, are retooling their roster after a disappointing 2025 and the trade of right-hander Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels. Baz, a first-round draft pick in 2017, was part of the U.S. Olympic team in 2021 before making his MLB debut later that year. The Rays, in return, acquired catcher Caden Bodine, outfielder Slater de Brun, right-hander Michael Forret, and outfielder Austin Overn, as well as a competitive balance pick in next year's draft. The Orioles designated left-hander Josh Walker for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Baz is eligible to remain with the Orioles for at least three seasons before becoming a free agent. To secure his services, the Orioles parted with Bodine and de Brun, the 30th and 37th picks in this year's draft. Bodine hit .326 in 11 games for Class A Delmarva, while Forret went 2-2 with a 1.58 ERA in 74 innings across Class A and Double-A in 2025. In related news, the Orioles announced their 2026 big league coaching staff under new manager Craig Albernaz, with several familiar faces returning. The team has added several new coaches, including bench coach Donnie Ecker, hitting coach Dustin Lind, and infield coach Miguel Cairo.
