Overview
- President of baseball operations Mike Elias said Baz projects as a front‑end starter with untapped ceiling after a 2025 season that featured a 4.87 ERA in 31 starts and strong underlying traits.
- The trade gives Baltimore a 26‑year‑old with three years of club control as part of a projected 2026 rotation that includes Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Dean Kremer and Tyler Wells.
- By sending the No. 33 Competitive Balance Round A pick to the Rays, the Orioles’ third‑highest 2026 draft pick drops from No. 46 to No. 83 under MLB qualifying‑offer rules.
- That shift reduces the draft cost to sign QO‑attached free‑agent starters such as Framber Valdéz, Ranger Suárez or Zac Gallen, a scenario Elias indicated the club will continue to evaluate.
- Baltimore parted with four ranked prospects in the Baz deal yet maintains trade flexibility after replenishing the farm through the 2025 draft and deadline moves.