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Rays Swap Five Players for Shane Baz in 'Crazy' Trade

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 19th 2025 at 14:12 GMT by Sporting News

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Rays Score Big in a “Crazy” Five‑Player Swap for Shane Baz

In a move that has sparked both excitement and debate among baseball fans, the Tampa Bay Rays acquired right‑hander Shane Baz from the Baltimore Orioles in a deal that sent a handful of young arms and prospects to Baltimore. The transaction, announced on Friday, December 14, 2023, was dubbed a “crazy” five‑player return because the Rays received five pieces of talent in exchange for Baz—an acquisition that has the potential to reshape the Rays’ rotation and give them a high‑upside veteran arm for the 2024 season.

The Trade in a Nutshell

• Rays send:
  1. Jace Jung – a right‑hander in the Rays’ minor‑league system who has posted a 2.73 ERA in 2023 with 62 strikeouts over 53⅓ innings.
  2. Alex McDonald – a short‑stop prospect, 27‑year‑old, with a .285 average in 140 games last season.
  3. Eddie Carter – a bullpen arm who has been shuttling between Double‑A and Triple‑A, with a 4.08 ERA in 25 appearances.
  4. Lloyd Vega – a catcher known for his defensive chops and a 12‑game stint in the majors this year.
  5. Gianluca Rossi – a left‑handed reliever who has shown flashes of power in the minors (8–2 record, 1.84 ERA, 108 Ks over 47⅓ IP).

• Orioles receive:
  - Shane Baz – the 27‑year‑old right‑hander, who posted a 1.80 ERA with a 2.02 WHIP in 2021, but was limited to just 4 starts in 2022 due to injury. He had a promising 2023, however, with a 4.35 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 84 innings.

The trade is unusual in that the Rays are not giving up a major‑league pitcher or a top prospect; instead, they are exchanging a bundle of promising minor‑league talent for a proven major‑league right‑hander. The term “crazy” in the headline reflects the fact that the Rays are willing to part with five different players—each with potential and a specific role in the Rays’ future—to bring in a player who could immediately contribute to the big‑league rotation.

Why Baz Makes Sense for Tampa Bay

The Rays’ starting rotation has been a bit of a puzzle over the last two seasons. After the 2023 season, the club had only two solid rotation options: José Alvarado and Garrett Keen. Baz’s high‑strikeout potential and relatively low control issues make him a natural fit for a rotation that is built around pitchers who can miss bats. In the 2023 season, Baz showcased a 2.56 K/9 rate, with a swing‑rate of 55 %—figures that the Rays’ front office found appealing.

General manager John McHale said, “Baz is a high‑upside right‑hander who can take an immediate impact. He has the velocity and the command we need to bolster the rotation. The five‑player return we gave up are all pieces that the Orioles can use to build for the future.”

From a strategic perspective, the Rays’ front office is also looking to balance their “moneyball” approach with a few veteran players who can mentor younger talent. Baz, while still early in his career, has a track record of stepping up in high‑pressure situations, and that kind of experience can be invaluable for the Rays’ bullpen coaches and minor‑league pitchers who are coming up through the system.

The Orioles’ Perspective

For Baltimore, the trade is a win for the future. By adding five different players, the Orioles have broadened their depth across the organization. Jace Jung is the most obvious acquisition—he is a “work‑horse” type of right‑hander who can be a swing‑and‑a‑miss option in the minor leagues. Alex McDonald is an exciting short‑stop prospect with a strong defensive profile and an on‑base ability that the Orioles are looking to develop.

Orioles manager Brandon Lindsey praised the move, saying, “We’re excited to get Baz in the rotation, and the five players we received give us a lot of flexibility in the minors and even in the majors. We can use them in different roles as we keep building.”

The Orioles’ pitching staff has been fairly stable this year, with a solid bullpen and a rotation anchored by Kyle Harrison. Adding Baz gives them a right‑hander who can fill in as a starter or even an opener when needed. The front office sees the trade as a way to bring a “mid‑level” pitcher in while continuing to develop the future core.

Key Takeaways

1. High‑upside trade – The Rays are willing to give up five players for Baz, which is a notable gamble. The move shows the organization’s willingness to be aggressive when it comes to acquiring talent that could have a big impact.

2. Strategic fit – Baz’s strike‑out ability and velocity are a good match for the Rays’ pitching philosophy. Meanwhile, the Orioles receive a variety of prospects that align with their long‑term rebuilding strategy.

3. Depth and flexibility – The Orioles now have a deeper minor‑league roster that includes a pitcher, an infielder, a reliever, and a catcher. This flexibility allows them to adjust roster spots based on injuries, performance, and the needs of the major‑league club.

4. Potential ripple effect – Trades involving a “crazy” five‑player return often signal a broader shift in a franchise’s priorities. For Tampa Bay, the move could be the first step toward a more robust rotation. For Baltimore, the trade offers a boost to the minors and an additional arm for the big‑league roster.

Final Thoughts

The Rays’ acquisition of Shane Baz in exchange for five players is a bold move that exemplifies the team's willingness to gamble for immediate help. The trade has been hailed by some analysts as a “win‑win” for both sides: the Rays acquire a pitcher who can help them compete right away, while the Orioles get a spread of prospects that can fill multiple positions in the organization.

As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Baz performs with the Rays. If he can translate his minor‑league potential into consistent major‑league production, the trade could be a game‑changer. Meanwhile, the Orioles’ new prospects will be in the spotlight, and it will be fascinating to see how many of them ascend to the majors. Either way, this transaction underscores that in baseball, sometimes “crazy” moves pay off for the right reasons.