Baltimore Orioles Sign Shane Baz to Five-Year Extension Before He Plays a Game

Over the past seven months, the Baltimore Orioles have demonstrated an increasing willingness to make long-term financial commitments. Once again, they have taken this step.

The Orioles announced a five-year extension with right-handed pitcher Shane Baz. According to sources informing MLB.com, this contract is valued at $68 million, making it the largest contract ever given to a pitcher in Orioles history (and the fifth-largest overall contract in franchise history).

“Securing this agreement with Shane continues our efforts to build a championship-caliber roster. We appreciate Shane’s commitment to Baltimore, the Orioles, and our great fans,” controlling owner David Rubenstein said in a statement. “We also thank Mike Elias and the baseball operations team for helping ensure Shane remains a part of the Orioles for many years to come.”

Baz joins catcher Samuel Basallo and first baseman Pete Alonso as players under Orioles control at least through the 2030 season. Basallo signed an eight-year, $67 million extension on August 22 last year, while Alonso signed a five-year, $155 million contract on December 11.

Baz’s contract takes effect immediately, covering his remaining arbitration years and buying out two free-agent years. The 26-year-old pitcher has only been in the Orioles system for a short time; he was acquired from the Rays on December 19 in a trade where Baltimore sent four prospects and a 2026 Competitive Balance Round A draft pick.

“We were thrilled to acquire a pitcher with Shane’s talent this offseason and are very pleased to reach a long-term agreement to keep him in Baltimore,” baseball operations president Mike Elias said in a statement. “The ownership group led by David Rubenstein continues to provide support and resources, allowing us to pursue sustained success on the field.”

Baz is expected to make his Orioles debut next Monday against the Minnesota Twins, starting the final game of the home-opening three-game series. He impressed in his first spring training with the Orioles, posting a 2.61 ERA over 10.1 innings in three starts with 14 strikeouts.

Baz was a first-round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2017 and was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays on July 31, 2018 as part of the Chris Archer deal. During his time with the Rays, he struggled early to stay healthy, making only 23 Major League starts from 2021 to 2024 and missing the entire 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in September 2022.

However, Baz completed his first full Major League season in 2025, posting a 4.87 ERA over 31 starts. His issues were largely concentrated at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees’ spring training stadium that served as the Rays’ temporary home that season, where he had a 5.90 ERA in 16 home starts compared to a 3.86 ERA in 15 road starts.

Baz possesses a diverse arsenal, centered around a four-seam fastball averaging around 96-97 mph and capable of reaching 98-99 mph. He also heavily utilizes a knuckle-curve and a cutter, while mixing in other secondary pitches.

The Orioles are highly optimistic about Baz’s ceiling, believing he has the potential to develop into a front-of-the-rotation pitcher. If he fulfills that potential this season, he would join left-hander Trevor Rogers and right-hander Kyle Bradish to form a strong front end of the Orioles rotation.

The Orioles’ increased spending in recent years is not surprising. The team was acquired in March 2024 by a group led by private equity billionaire David Rubenstein, and since then the franchise has shown a willingness to invest significantly. Financial flexibility has greatly benefited Elias and the Orioles management, enabling them to act in the high-end market. Initially they did not complete many major deals, but that has clearly changed recently, evidenced by the extensions for Basallo, Alonso, and now Baz.