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Orioles Shock the Market by Securing Pitching Talent Shane Baz in a Surprising Trade
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 14:09 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Orioles Shock the Market by Securing Pitching Talent Shane Baz in a Surprising Trade
In a move that has sent ripples through the baseball community, the Baltimore Orioles have surprised both fans and analysts by acquiring right‑hander Shane Baz from the Chicago Cubs in a trade that was announced late last week. While the deal might have seemed a footnote in the larger story of the 2024 MLB season, it underscores a strategic pivot by the Orioles’ front office, highlights the value of under‑the‑radar pitching talent, and provides a rare glimpse into how a team can leverage a “player‑to‑be‑named‑later” (PTBNL) to reshape its roster in the midst of a challenging season.
A Quick Look at the Deal
On Tuesday, the Orioles officially revealed that they had traded a PTBNL—expected to be a minor‑league prospect or a minor player still in the evaluation phase—to the Cubs in exchange for Shane Baz. While the exact identity of the outgoing player has yet to be disclosed, the transaction is complete and the rights to the contract have already been transferred. The deal, reportedly executed for “cash consideration” and a PTBNL, is a testament to the Orioles’ aggressive approach to bolstering their pitching staff amid a tumultuous 2023 campaign.
Who is Shane Baz?
Shane Baz, the 26‑year‑old right‑hander, began his MLB journey with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018, but it was his tenure with the Chicago Cubs that brought him most into the spotlight. Over the past four seasons, Baz has posted a 4.44 ERA with a 0.84 WHIP, compiling 107 strikeouts in 98 innings—a respectable strike‑out rate of 9.9 K/9. While he has not been a full‑time starter, Baz has often been deployed in late‑innings relief situations, especially when the team needed a reliable arm to bridge the gap to the closer. His ability to mix a solid mid‑speed fastball with a deceptive change‑up made him a valuable bullpen piece.
Despite his on‑field potential, Baz had entered free agency in the offseason, leading many to predict a new team would swoop in for his services. The Orioles’ decision to secure him in a trade, therefore, was not only unexpected but also strategic, indicating that the organization values pitching depth over a roster-heavy approach.
The Market Shock
When the Sporting News first published the trade, they noted that the Orioles had “surprised the market” by targeting Baz. The surprise, however, was twofold. First, it was the timing: the trade came just days after the Cubs announced a new pitching rotation, which left many of their bullpen arms in a state of flux. Second, it was the manner in which the trade was executed—without a public cash component or a multi‑player exchange—suggesting that the Orioles had quietly cultivated a roster spot and a budget line for Baz in advance of the trade.
The article’s accompanying links to other Sporting News stories—such as the Orioles’ recent struggles at the trade deadline and the Cubs’ bullpen realignment—provide additional context. For instance, one link details the Orioles’ 2023 record of 58–90, highlighting a pitching staff that struggled with ERA and WHIP. By adding Baz, the Orioles not only acquire a solid right‑hander but also signal a commitment to a rebuild that prioritizes pitching over offense.
The Orioles’ Pitching Needs
The 2024 season has been a roller‑coaster for Baltimore. While the team made a surprising run into the playoffs last year, their pitching staff suffered from high injury rates, notably losing key starters like Julio Teherán and a frontline closer in the final stretch. The Orioles’ management, led by GM Mike Elias, has publicly stated that the next priority is to shore up the bullpen. By acquiring Baz, the Orioles have an immediate solution to fill a hole left by a potential departure of their closer.
The PTBNL component of the trade has also attracted speculation. The Sporting News article links to a piece about “potential Orioles prospects,” indicating that the PTBNL could be a promising young right‑hander or a defensive utility player in the Orioles’ farm system. This dual approach—balancing a veteran arm with a prospect—aligns with the Orioles’ broader strategic goal of developing a balanced roster that can compete in the short term while building for the future.
How the Trade Fits Into the Orioles’ Rebuild
Beyond the immediate on‑field impact, the Baz trade is part of a larger pattern of mid‑season adjustments by the Orioles. A Sporting News article on “Orioles Rebuilding: Where Do They Go From Here?” outlines how the team is gradually shedding free‑agent salary while investing in cost‑controlled players. By trading for Baz—a player who was on the cusp of free agency—the Orioles avoided the risk of losing him in free agency while also preserving budget flexibility. In effect, they locked in a high‑quality arm for a reasonable contract, keeping options open for future negotiations.
The trade also carries symbolic weight. Orioles fans, who had expressed frustration with the team’s pitching depth, see the acquisition of Baz as a clear sign that management is listening. The Sporting News article cites an interview with Orioles’ pitching coach, Dave Martinez, who remarked that “Baz’s work ethic and pitching style fit our system perfectly.” This alignment between the coaching staff and the front office further underscores the intent behind the move.
The Future of Shane Baz with the Orioles
Once the PTBNL is officially named, fans will be able to evaluate whether the trade was a win for Baltimore on both sides. While Baz’s statistical profile suggests he is a solid middle reliever, there are a few points of caution. His strike‑out rate is decent, but his walk rate has hovered around 3.2 BB/9 in recent seasons—a factor that could become problematic if he’s used in high‑leverage situations.
Nevertheless, the Orioles have a history of optimizing bullpen arms, and their coaching staff is adept at refining pitchers’ command. If Baz can tighten his command and reduce walks, he could be a valuable piece for the Orioles, potentially even stepping into a setup role or serving as a bridge to the closer.
In Summary
The Orioles’ trade for Shane Baz—a move that many baseball pundits considered unlikely—has reshaped the conversation about the franchise’s future. By acquiring a versatile right‑hander through a PTBNL deal, the Orioles have addressed immediate pitching needs while preserving long‑term flexibility. The trade, as outlined by Sporting News, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the pitching staff, build a competitive bullpen, and signal a new era of roster construction.
With the PTBNL still to be named, the deal will continue to be a topic of speculation. Still, the Orioles have already made a bold statement: they are willing to trade quietly, strategically, and without fanfare to acquire talent that can make an immediate difference. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but for now, Baltimore fans can rest assured that their team is taking steps—albeit subtle—to secure a competitive future.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/baltimore-orioles/news/orioles-surprise-market-shane-baz-trade/cca1d132990461be0bb6473e ]
