The Baltimore Orioles are reaching an agreement with right-handed pitcher Shane Baz to buy out three years of arbitration and two years of free agency, per @JeffPassan. The deal secures five years of team control for the 26-year-old starter.
Baz, who has spent his career to date as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, is widely regarded as a premier breakout candidate due to his high-velocity arm and significant upside. While the right-hander carries inherent risk due to a previous history of injuries, the Orioles are prioritizing his immense potential to bolster their starting rotation for the long term.
By locking in Baz through his arbitration years and two additional seasons of free agency, Baltimore gains cost certainty and a high-ceiling arm as they continue to build their pitching staff. The deal effectively keeps Baz under team control through his age-30 season. Specific financial terms of the agreement have not yet been disclosed.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting
