Baltimore Orioles have made one of the most significant pitching acquisitions of the offseason, completing a blockbuster trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for right-handed starter Shane Baz.
The move underscores Baltimore’s aggressive push to strengthen its rotation, while Tampa Bay continues to lean into its long-term strategy of maximizing value through elite prospect returns.
According to reports from Ken Rosenthal and Keith Law of The Athletic, the Rays sent Baz to Baltimore in exchange for a massive prospect haul.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan later detailed the full return, which includes outfielder Slater de Brun, catcher Caden Bodine, right-hander Micheal Forret, outfielder Austin Overn, and a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick.
Orioles take a calculated gamble on Shane Baz
For Baltimore, the trade represents a calculated risk. Baz, a former first-round pick, has undeniable upside but an injury history that cannot be ignored. Since 2021, he has made just 54 starts, with multiple setbacks including Tommy John surgery.
Still, 2025 marked his healthiest campaign to date, as he logged 31 appearances and 166.1 innings. While his 4.87 ERA did not fully reflect ace-level production, the durability he showed over a full season likely reassured the Orioles’ front office.
The Orioles are betting that Baz’s raw talent and pedigree can be unlocked further in their system, especially as they look to solidify a rotation capable of sustaining postseason success.
Rays stockpile high-end future assets
From Tampa Bay’s perspective, the return is enormous. Bodine and de Brun were both first-round selections by Baltimore in the 2025 draft, immediately elevating the Rays’ farm system.
Bodine, 22, impressed in a brief A-ball stint, batting .326 with a .757 OPS and earning praise for his advanced hit and defensive tools. He now slots in as the Rays’ No. 11 prospect.
De Brun, just 18, enters Tampa Bay’s system as its No. 6 prospect. Despite not yet debuting in the minors, he is highly regarded for his elite speed and defensive ability, traits the Rays have historically developed well.
Depth, speed, and draft capital sweeten the deal
Forret and Overn add further depth. Forret, 21, surged through High-A and Double-A in 2025, posting a dominant 1.58 ERA with 91 strikeouts across 19 games.
Overn brings elite athleticism, swiping 64 bases in 2025 and profiling as a dynamic outfield defender. The inclusion of a Competitive Balance Round A pick only amplifies the value of the return.