The newly acquired starter already likes what he sees from Baltimore's new manager.
The Baltimore Orioles finished 2025 with a disappointing 75-87 record, but the front office has been busy this offseason.
One of their biggest moves was trading for right-hander Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays, and the 26-year-old starter is already excited about his new situation.
During his first media availability with the Orioles via MASN, Baz spoke about connecting with new manager Craig Albernaz.
"I talked to Alby for a little bit," Baz said. "I was around him with Tampa a little bit in the minor leagues. I never played for him, but just kind of you'll see him in spring a lot, stuff like that. I just really like his demeanor. He seems really competitive and I love that. Just a really approachable guy, and he seems like he's going to be awesome. I'm excited just to be able to play for him."
What Baz Brings to Baltimore
The Orioles paid a steep price to acquire Baz, sending four top prospects and a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick to Tampa Bay.
In 2025, Baz went 10-12 with a 4.87 ERA while making 31 starts and throwing 166.1 innings, setting career highs in all three categories while striking out 176 batters.
The numbers might not jump off the page, but there's context behind them.
Baz was pitching home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field after Hurricane Milton damaged Tropicana Field.
Away from that temporary home, Baz posted a 3.86 ERA in 15 starts with opponents hitting just .227 against him.
What makes Baz attractive is his durability.
After missing 2023 recovering from Tommy John surgery, he came back with a 3.06 ERA in 14 starts in 2024 before proving he could handle a full workload in 2025.
Rutschman's Bounce Back Year
One person Baz is excited to work with is catcher Adley Rutschman.
The two have history from the 2021 Futures Game where Rutschman caught Baz for a clean inning.
Rutschman struggled through an injury-filled 2025 season, playing in just 90 games due to two oblique strains.
He hit .220 with 9 home runs, 29 RBIs, and a .673 OPS. Before his first injury in June, Rutschman was heating up with a .340 average over a 13-game stretch.
If Rutschman can stay healthy in 2026, there's every reason to believe he can return to being one of the best catchers in baseball.
He's still just 27 years old and has posted a career .254 average with 15.1 WAR through four seasons.
Combined with the Baz trade and additions like Pete Alonso and Ryan Helsley, Baltimore is hoping to get back to contending in the American League East.