Mike Elias, president of baseball operations for the Baltimore Orioles, has followed Shane Baz for a long time. Back in 2017, Elias was scouting in Houston and caught Baz pitching at Concordia Lutheran High School. The young pitcher caught Elias’s attention, but Baz was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates as the 12th pick, just ahead of the Orioles.
Fast forward to recently, and Elias finally made a bold move to acquire Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays. To land him, he traded away four promising prospects and a draft pick. This move marks a significant chapter in the Orioles’ busy offseason, as they continue to enhance their roster.
Baz, now 26, has shown he can be a strong asset. Though he struggled with a 4.87 ERA last season, his stats tell a deeper story. At home, he had a 5.90 ERA, while on the road, it dropped to 3.86. His fastball averages a lightning-fast 97 mph, ranking him among the top starters in the league. Experts suggest that his potential may be greater than his current stats indicate, especially after recovering from Tommy John surgery in September 2022.
The Orioles aim to place Baz alongside other young talents like lefty Trevor Rogers and righty Kyle Bradish in their rotation. This plan is part of a bigger strategy to build a competitive team while searching for more pitching depth.
Interestingly, the Rays weren’t keen to trade Baz at first. They aimed for major league-ready talent rather than developing prospects. And trading him within the division often means paying a premium. Elias was prepared for that, willing to part with future potential for immediate help.
This offseason, the Orioles have made key additions including first baseman Pete Alonso and outfielders Taylor Ward and Leody Taveras. Baz will surely play a pivotal role as they look to compete in the tough AL East.
In recent years, the Orioles and Rays have traded frequently, showing a unique dynamic in their rivalry. The latest trade might very well reshape both teams for the coming seasons. Analysts suggest that the real effects of this deal may not be evident until the next decade, but if Baz reaches his potential, he could become a star in Baltimore, while haunting his former team in Tampa Bay.
As Elias and the Orioles continue to work on their roster, it’s clear they’re committed to building a strong, competitive team. Their moves indicate they’re in it for the long haul, and the addition of Baz is just the beginning.
For more on MLB trade trends and player statistics, check out MLB Pipeline for the latest updates.
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Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, MLB
