“Shane Baz is more of a guarantee in Orioles” - MLB analyst compares Baltimore’s new pitcher to Grayson Rodriguez trade

As they look to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Baltimore Orioles have been quite active in the market this offseason. Among other areas of their roster, the O's starting rotation has also undergone some key changes.

Grayson Rodriguez, who spent the past three years in Baltimore, was traded to the LA Angels in exchange for slugger Taylor Ward. To make up for Rodriguez's absence, the O's acquired Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, in a deal that saw prospects Caden Bodine, Slater de Brun, Austin Overn, Michael Forret, and a draft pick go the other way.

According to analyst Ryan Spilborghs, replacing Grayson Rodriguez with Shane Baz could prove to be a great decision for the Orioles. Speaking to MLB Network Radio, Spilborghs explained why.

"We were critical with Grayson Rodriguez in the flyer that the Angels are taking on him. It's a lot to give up with upside, just for a Taylor Ward. We were concerned about it. (Shane) Baz is more of a guarantee here," Spilborghs said. "Maybe not quite the overall stuff that Grayson Rodriguez has, but he (Rodriguez) has also been dealing with all those different injuries. "Baz is, for me, a little bit more of a certainty. Every fifth day (I know) what I'm going to get, health-wise. I think the stuff is there too, it's plus stuff. (His role is going to be) middle rotation, I could see him improving to be a (number) two. I could see him that high, which gives you great value."

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Shane Baz is excited for a fresh start with the Baltimore Orioles

Having made his debut in 2021, Shane Baz spent five years with the Tampa Bay Rays. For his career as a whole, the starter has a 17-17 record, a 4.25 ERA and 293 strikeouts.

Though he quite solid overall, Baz's time with the Rays was disrupted by repeated injury issues, and the pitcher is now set to begin a new chapter with the Baltimore Orioles.

Shortly after joining his new team, Shane Baz posted an Instagram story, signalling his excitement for what's to come.

"LETS GO O's!" Shane Baz captioned his story.

Screenshot of Shane Baz's Instagram Story (Image from - Instagram.com/@thewizardofbaz IG Stories)

Fans will be hoping Baz can help the Orioles get back to the postseason in 2026.

Edited by Raghav Mehta