Orioles, Baz agree on 5-year, $68 million contract extension

The Orioles and right-hander Shane Baz agreed on a five-year, $68 million extension.

Baz, who was acquired by the Orioles in December from the Tampa Bay Rays, had three seasons, including 2026, of arbitration eligibility remaining.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the extension begins with this season, a year in which he was scheduled to make $3.5 million and buys out two years of free agency, 2029 and 2030.

The 26-year-old right-hander is scheduled to make his first regular season start on Sunday for the Orioles against Minnesota.

Baz has a lifetime record of 17-17 with a 4.25 ERA in 54 starts.

It’s the second contract extension negotiated by president of business operations Mike Elias in less than eight months. Last August, the Orioles signed catcher Samuel Basallo to an eight-year, $67 million extension with an option for 2034.

It’s the longest contract the Orioles have given a pitcher since they signed Scott Erickson to a five-year. $32 million contract extension in 1999.

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com