Shane Baz ignites the Orioles' rotation, showcasing superstar potential and a blazing fastball. Can he overcome control issues and become the ace they desperately need?
Coming into the MLB offseason, Mike Elias, President of Baseball Operations for the Baltimore Orioles had three main goals: Add an impact bat, improve the bullpen, and acquire a top of the rotation starting pitcher.
However, Elias failed to acquire that top of the rotation arm that he virtually promised to the fans. After missing out on Dylan Cease and Michael King early into free agency, it was expected that Elias would heavily pursue Ranger Suarez and Framber Valdez. However, Elias had a different plan in mind.
Elias has made a handful of great trades throughout his Baltimore tenure, so he felt more comfortable exploring the starting pitcher market through trade rather than free agency, and that is exactly what he did. When Baltimore acquired Shane Baz from Tampa Bay Rays on December 19, 2025, many believed that Elias would still sign one of Valdez or Suarez. Sadly, that was not that case, as the only other addition made to the rotation was adding veteran Chris Bassitt.
Fast forward to spring training, and many believed that Baltimore's rotation wouldn't be good enough to compete for a championship. However, Baz is looking like everything Baltimore expected and more.
In Baz's first start of spring training, he posted 2.1 hitless innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates while striking out four batters. Baz has a high 90's fastball, paired with a wicked curveball and slider that he has worked on throughout the offseason.
Baz madę his second start earlier today against the Houston Astros, but unfortunately for Baz, it wasn't nearly as good as his debut appearance. In three innings of work, Baz would strike out five batters, but would struggle to keep runners off base, especially in the third inning. Baz finished the day giving up two hits, two walks and allowing three earned runs. However, the stat line does not tell the whole story.
In his first two appearances, it is apparent that Baz has superstar potential, as he has already struck out nine batters in only 5.1 innings of work. The biggest concern for Baz, however, is his control, in which he has walked four batters so far in spring training.
Baz has only made two starts in spring training, but it was evident why Baltimore traded three top 11 prospects to acquire him. His upside and potential (if reached) could project him to be a top of the rotation arm for any team, and with three more years of team control, Baltimore will have every opportunity to maximize the potential of Baz.