Orioles locked up former Rays starter for the long-term before he threw a pitch

This is just a tad risky especially considering this pitcher has yet to reach his potential in a full season. The ceiling is certainly high, but he finally tossed more than 150 innings for the MLB and struggled down the stretch. Maybe the Orioles know something that we don't, but as a Rays' fan, this seems a bit early for a long-term financial commitment.

Shane Baz and the Orioles agree to a 5-year, $68 million extension

The Rays acquired Shane Baz in the infamous Chris Archer trade of 2018. You likely remember the deal, but in case you forgot, it gave the Rays 2019 All-Star outfielder Austin Meadows, 8.7 WAR ace Tyler Glasnow, and Shane Baz. Baz began his Rays' tenure as a highly touted pitching prospect. In 2021, the hard throwing righty finally got his footing as he went 3-0 with a 1.76 ERA for the talented Durham Bulls staff.

Tampa Bay made the easy decision of calling him up for the remainder of the 2021 campaign and he pitched very well in 13 frames. The former first round pick was inserted into the rotation for the 2022 season, but was limited to only 27 innings due to a season-ending injury.

The Houston product missed the entirety of the 2023 season to recover from his brutal injury. His 2024 return was highly anticipated as the Rays praised the hurler's nasty repertoire. Baz recorded a respectable 3.06 ERA in 79.1 innings, but they still knew he had more in the tank.

The expectations were sky high for the 2025 season. Baz was completely healthy and ready to take the league by storm. That's exactly what he did to start the season. In Baz's first outing, he tossed six scoreless against the Pirates, punching out 10 hitters in the process.

His second start was only slightly worse as the 26-year-old tossed seven innings, giving up two runs and striking out six Angels. His 1.38 ERA was admired throughout the league. However, Baz finished the rollercoaster season with a 4.87 ERA in a career-high 166.1 innings.

Now, after the Rays dealt their "young ace-in-the-making" over the offseason, the Orioles are doubling down on his stay in Baltimore. Their front office believes in his abilities as a potential ace for years to come. It's hard not to take stock in this kid with the kind of stuff he has, but Rays' fans would argue that you should watch some tape from the back end of his 2025 season first.