The Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles completed a trade today centered on starting pitcher Shane Baz. Tampa Bay sent the 26-year-old right-hander to Baltimore in exchange for a package of prospects: outfielder Slater de Brun (the Orioles No. 6 prospect), catcher Caden Bodine (2025 draft pick), right-handed pitcher Michael Forret, outfielder Austin Overn, and a Competitive Balance Round A draft pick. The deal was first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, and the Orioles announced it later on Friday. It continued a busy day for the Rays, who also traded Brandon Lowe to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-team deal.
Rays Trade Shane Baz to Orioles for Several Prospects
Baz, drafted 12th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017 and acquired by the Rays in the 2018 Chris Archer trade, has been a high upside arm plagued by injuries throughout his career. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022, missed most of 2023, and gradually worked his way back. In 2025, he finally stayed healthy enough to make 31 starts, logging 166 1/3 innings with 176 strikeouts. His ERA of 4.87 reflected inconsistency, but his fastball velocity (mid to high 90s), sharp slider, and effective changeup remained among the better stuff in the league. The Rays viewed him as a valuable trade asset with significant remaining upside.
Trade news: The Baltimore Orioles are acquiring right-hander Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Slater de Brun, catcher Caden Bodine, right-hander Michael Forret, outfielder Austin Overn as well as a Competitive Balance Round A pick, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 19, 2025
For Baltimore, the addition of Baz addresses a clear need in their starting rotation. With Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers anchoring the top and Dean Kremer providing stability, the Orioles have sought another young pitcher capable of developing into a reliable mid-rotation starter or better. Baz fits that profile–a former top prospect with frontline potential if he can maintain health and refine his command. The Orioles front office sees him as a long-term piece to complement their young position player core.
The return for Tampa Bay is substantial and aligns with their longstanding strategy of acquiring high upside prospects and draft capital. Slater de Brun, selected 37th overall in the 2025 draft, brings plus power and above-average speed, giving the Rays another potential everyday outfielder. Caden Bodine provides catching depth with defensive tools and offensive promise. Michael Forret and Austin Overn add further pitching and outfield depth, while the additional draft pick bolsters the Rays’ farm system.
Looking Ahead
This trade represents a calculated risk for both sides. Baltimore invests in a pitcher who has yet to fully translate his stuff into consistent results, while Tampa Bay continues its pattern of turning established talent into a larger group of young players. The deal’s long-term impact will depend on Baz’s health and development in Baltimore, and on whether the prospects the Rays acquired become contributors at the major league level.
No further details on cash considerations or additional terms were immediately available. The trade is official pending physicals.
Main Photo Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
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