Austin Konenski
The Baltimore Orioles have extended one of their young starting pitchers after Opening Day. The Orioles and starting pitcher Shane Baz are finalizing a five-year, $68 million contract extension, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Baz was acquired by Baltimore in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays during the MLB offseason.
The 26-year-old starting pitcher is receiving a contract extension before taking the mound for the Orioles in a regular-season game. In 2025, Baz posted a 4.87 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 31 games for the Rays. The extension comes with risks, as Baz has a history of serious right elbow injuries in Tampa.
Baz underwent arthroscopic elbow surgery to remove loose bodies in March 2022. The former Tampa Bay pitcher later went on the Injured List with an elbow sprain in July 2022 before undergoing Tommy John surgery in September. Baz missed the entire 2023 MLB season, but returned to action in 2024, splitting time between the minors and MLB.
The 2025 MLB season was his first at full health; however, the Rays’ temporary home at Steinbrenner Field affected his pitching. Baz had a 5.90 ERA at home compared to a 3.86 ERA on the road. It is a lopsided value that isn’t indicative of his true performance in 2025.
Baltimore was incentivized to offer an extension after trading four prospects and the No. 33 pick in the 2026 MLB Draft for Baz over the winter. The new contract will cover three arbitration seasons and buy out two free agent years. The Orioles believe in his abilities to be a front-line start for the next five years.
Baltimore will now have Baz and his electric pitching arsenal at Camden Yards through the 2030 MLB season.
Read More: MLB Insider Reveals Chances the Baltimore Orioles Will Extend Gunnar Henderson
