Orioles' Shane Baz considered a prime breakout candidate for the 2026 season

Baltimore paid a hefty prospect price to acquire Baz from the Rays, but they believe he has the stuff to be great this upcoming season.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Baltimore Orioles made several big moves this offseason, including acquiring pitcher Shane Baz in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite a 4.87 ERA last season, Baz is considered a prime breakout candidate for 2026 due to his impressive strikeout numbers and high-quality stuff, including a mid-90s fastball and sharp knuckle-curve. The Orioles are hopeful Baz can build on his strong underlying metrics and emerge as a key part of their starting rotation this year.

Why it matters

The Orioles are looking to build on their success from last season and make a deeper playoff run. Acquiring a potential breakout pitcher like Baz could be a key part of that, as the team tries to bolster its starting rotation and take pressure off its offense.

The details

The Orioles traded a hefty package of prospects, including Slater de Brun, Caden Bodine, Michael Forret, Austin Overn, and a 2026 Competitive Balance Round A pick, to the Rays in order to acquire Baz. Despite his 4.87 ERA last season, Baz struck out 176 batters in 166.1 innings, showcasing the high-end stuff that has evaluators excited about his potential breakout.

  • Baz put together his 176-strikeout season for the Rays in 2025.
  • The Orioles acquired Baz from the Rays this offseason.

The players

Shane Baz

A right-handed pitcher acquired by the Baltimore Orioles from the Tampa Bay Rays this offseason, who is considered a prime breakout candidate for the 2026 MLB season.

Pete Alonso

A star first baseman who the Orioles signed to a five-year deal this offseason, as part of their efforts to bolster the roster for a playoff push.

Ryan Helsley

A relief pitcher the Orioles signed this offseason to help strengthen their bullpen.

Zach Eflin

A starting pitcher the Orioles re-signed this offseason to help solidify their starting rotation.

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What they’re saying

“He's primed for a breakout in Baltimore -- and the O's sure hope that happens, considering the hefty prospect price they paid to get him. But they have good reason to be hopeful. Baz's 176 strikeouts in 166 1/3 innings for Tampa Bay last season are a lot more encouraging than his 4.87 ERA, since they're built on a foundation of very good stuff, particularly Baz's upper-90s four-seamer and sharp knuckle-curve.”

— David Adler, MLB.com writer (MLB.com)

What’s next

The Orioles will be closely watching Baz's performance in Spring Training, hoping he can carry over his strong underlying metrics and emerge as a key part of their starting rotation for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Orioles made a bold move to acquire Shane Baz, parting with a significant prospect package, in the hopes that he can fulfill his potential and become a breakout star in 2026. If Baz can harness his high-end stuff and translate his strikeout numbers into better results, he could be a crucial addition to an Orioles team looking to take the next step and contend for a championship.