Overview
- Baz told reporters he and Rutschman were on the same page during their one inning together in the 2021 Futures Game, when he struck out two in a 1-2-3 frame, and he said he is eager to reconnect in Spring Training.
- The Orioles acquired Baz from the Rays on Dec. 19 for prospects Slater de Brun, Caden Bodine, Michael Forret, Austin Overn plus the 2026 Competitive Balance Round A pick (No. 33).
- In his first full season in 2025, Baz made 31 starts with a 4.87 ERA over 166 1/3 innings, posting a 5.90 ERA at temporary home George M. Steinbrenner Field versus 3.86 on the road.
- Baltimore cites Baz’s 100-plus mph fastball and five-pitch mix as reasons for upside, with team leadership describing a potential top-of-the-rotation ceiling.
- Baz arrives with three years of team control through 2028 and is expected to bolster a rotation projected to feature Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers at the top.