Shane Baz Opens Up About Trade to Orioles: 'The Excitement Took Over'

When a player gets traded, the news often comes without warning, and for Shane Baz, that was exactly the case when the Baltimore Orioles acquired him from the Tampa Bay Rays in mid-December.

"You're never really expecting it," Baz said during his first media session with the Orioles. "I think the excitement took over of being able to join such a good team."

The Orioles made a big move when they acquired the 26-year-old right-hander from division rival Tampa Bay, sending four prospects and a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick to the Rays in exchange.

Baz comes with three years of team control remaining, and he brings the kind of arm that Baltimore has been searching for since the departure of Corbin Burnes.

In 2025, Baz went 10-12 with a 4.87 ERA while making 31 starts and throwing 166.1 innings for the Rays, setting career highs across the board.

He struck out 176 batters and showed off a fastball that averaged 97 mph, which puts him among the hardest-throwing starters in baseball.

His career totals sit at 17-17 with a 4.25 ERA and 293 strikeouts across 286 innings.

President of baseball operations Mike Elias said the team sees Baz as someone with the ceiling of a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Baltimore finished the 2025 season with a 75-87 record, landing in fifth place in the American League East after injuries derailed their year.

The rotation was a major weak point, as the team posted a 4.60 ERA from their starters, which ranked among the worst marks in baseball.

With Baz now in the fold, the rotation looks much stronger heading into 2026, as he slots in behind Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers to give Baltimore a solid top three that should help them compete in a tough division.

One thing that could work in his favor is the change of scenery.

Baz struggled badly at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the minor league park that served as Tampa Bay's temporary home in 2025, posting a 5.90 ERA in 16 starts, while on the road, his numbers were much better at 3.86 ERA across 15 outings.

Baz already has a connection with his new team since he threw to catcher Adley Rutschman during the 2021 Futures Game, recording two strikeouts and a first-pitch groundout.

Teammate Zach Eflin, who rehabbed alongside Baz after Tommy John surgery, had nothing but praise and called him one of his favorite people in the game.

The Orioles gave up a hefty package to get Baz, but if he can tap into his potential, the trade could be exactly what Baltimore needs to turn things around in 2026.