The Baltimore Orioles and right-hander Shane Baz are finalizing a five-year, $68 million contract extension, fortifying their starting rotation with a high-upside arm. Baltimore traded four prospects and the No. 33 draft pick to acquire Baz, who brings a fastball that reaches 99 mph and a wicked knuckle curve to a rotation that desperately needs improvement.

Baz, 26, has battled injuries throughout his career, throwing just 286 major league innings. His 2024 performance with Tampa Bay showed promise as he registered 176 strikeouts despite a 4.87 ERA. The Orioles are betting that Baz can overcome his injury history and develop into a consistent front-of-the-rotation starter.

The contract covers three arbitration seasons and buys out two free agent years, giving Baltimore cost certainty through 2028. The deal comes after the Orioles overhauled their rotation by adding veterans Chris Bassitt and Zach Eflin, plus having Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish return from injury. Baltimore is counting on this improved pitching to bounce back from a 75-87 season that ended their consecutive playoff appearances.