Breaking: Orioles Show Leap of Faith With Big Extension For Young Pitcher

The Baltimore Orioles needed to upgrade their starting staff coming into 2026, and they've done that. Not with an ace, per se, but with a couple of notable arms—one a young, promising, former top prospect, and one a veteran clubhouse leader and a real 'gamer.'

The latter, Chris Bassitt, is 37, and while he's there to help the young Orioles get over the hump, he won't be a long-term solution. However, Shane Baz, a former first-round pick in the MLB Draft, could be. Today, the O's have locked up Baz to a five-year deal before he even throws a pitch for them that counts.

BREAKING: Right-hander Shane Baz and the Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a five-year, $68 million contract extension, sources tell ESPN. Baz, 26, joined the Orioles in a trade from Tampa Bay this winter and is poised to get a big payday coming off his first full healthy season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 27, 2026

It's a five-year, $68 million extension for the 26-year-old.

The move is significant, as Baz was under team control for another four years, so the Orioles are really just buying out his arbitration years, plus one free agent year.

Baz was acquired by the Orioles in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays this past offseason. He will slot in behind Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish in the Baltimore rotation and start the third game of the new season this coming Sunday.

Baz had a nice spring with the O's, making three appearances and posting a 2.61 ERA in 10.1 innings, with a 14:4 strikeout to walk ratio. He registered a 12.2 K/9.

Last season with the Rays was a mixed bag for the former top prospect and 12th overall selection in 2017. He was in his second year (first full season) removed from Tommy John surgery, and posted a 4.92 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. He finished strong, though, in five September starts, with a 2.82 ERA.

For his career, Baz has a 4.25 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP.