Orioles' Shane Baz considered a prime breakout candidate for the 2026 season

The Baltimore Orioles were one of the most aggressive teams during the winter break. They made multiple big splashes that should put them in a better spot for the 2026 season. 

While the obvious big splash was when they signed Pete Alonso to a five-year deal, there are also some other moves the fans should be happy about. 

They bolstered their bullpen by signing Ryan Helsley, re-signing Zach Eflin to help the starting rotation, and acquiring Shane Baz in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. 

MORE: Orioles' Jackson Holliday gets terrible injury update for Opening Day amid broken bone

Orioles' Shane Baz considered a prime breakout candidate for the 2026 season

Baltimore paid quite the price to acquire Shane Baz. They sent prospects Slater de Brun, Caden Bodine, Michael Forret, Austin Overn, and a 2026 Competitive Balance Round A pick to the Rays.

They were fine with the loss, especially with the potential that Baz has. Across 166 1/3 innings, Baz put together a rather impressive 176 strikeouts. 

MLB.com's David Adler tags him as one of the pitchers that fans will want to pay attention to during Spring Training. 

"He's primed for a breakout in Baltimore -- and the O's sure hope that happens, considering the hefty prospect price they paid to get him. But they have good reason to be hopeful. Baz's 176 strikeouts in 166 1/3 innings for Tampa Bay last season are a lot more encouraging than his 4.87 ERA, since they're built on a foundation of very good stuff, particularly Baz's upper-90s four-seamer and sharp knuckle-curve."

Despite a shaky ERA last season, Adler believes Baz has the stuff to be considered a breakout candidate for the 2026 season. He will likely not lead Baltimore's rotation, but he certainly has the arsenal to do so. 

Don't be surprised if he gets it going early in Spring Training and carries that success into the regular season.

More MLB news:

• MLB analyst spotlights Shane McClanahan's return after a two-year absence
• Blue Jays' Cody Ponce makes MLB's 'must-watch' list this spring
• MLB analyst spotlights Reds' Chase Burns as one to watch in Spring Training
• Astros' Tatsuya Imai headlines a list of 'must-watch' pitchers in Spring Training
• Mets' top pitching prospect tagged as one player to pay attention to this spring