Orioles Sign Baz to 5-Year, $68 Million Extension

The Baltimore Orioles secured a long-term commitment from right-handed pitcher Shane Baz on Friday, agreeing to a five-year, $68 million contract extension that runs through the 2030 season. The 26-year-old, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in a December trade, is set to make his debut with the team on Sunday against the Minnesota Twins at Camden Yards.

Baz, a former first-round draft pick, brings a mix of proven talent and injury challenges to Baltimore's rotation. Selected 12th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017, he was traded to the Rays a year later as part of the package that sent Tyler Glasnow and Austin Meadows to Tampa Bay in exchange for Chris Archer. Baz debuted in the majors with the Rays in 2021, appearing in three regular-season starts and one postseason outing during the American League Division Series against the Boston Red Sox.

His career trajectory was interrupted by elbow injuries starting in 2022. He underwent arthroscopic surgery in April of that year, returned briefly, but then needed Tommy John surgery in September, sidelining him for the entire 2023 season. Baz made a strong comeback in 2024, posting a 4-3 record with a 3.06 ERA over 14 starts. Last...