Shane Baz expressed excitement about joining the Baltimore Orioles following his December 19 trade from the Tampa Bay Rays, highlighting his prior work with catcher Adley Rutschman and optimism for the team's aggressive rebuild after a 75-87 season.
In a post-trade media call, the 26-year-old right-hander reflected on catching for Rutschman—then a Futures Game standout—in the second inning of the 2021 MLB All-Star Futures Game at Coors Field. Baz delivered a 1-2-3 frame with two strikeouts. "It went really well," he said. "I'm excited to pick up from there. ... I could tell the kind of guy [Rutschman] is, and he's just really working with you and busting his butt."
This marks Baz's second career trade, following his inclusion in the 2018 Chris Archer deal as a prospect. "It’s always kind of surprising," he admitted. "You’re never really expecting it. ... But I think the excitement took over of just being able to join such a good team, and I think what the front office is doing is really exciting."
After a healthy 2025 season with the Rays (4.87 ERA over 31 starts), Baz looks forward to pitching at Camden Yards after struggling at hitter-friendly George M. Steinbrenner Field. "I’m never going to make an excuse," he said. "It’s going to be really cool to have Camden Yards ... and the fans and the history there."
With three years of team control through 2028, Baz bolsters Baltimore's rotation amid an active offseason.