Baz says Orioles’ extension was ‘no-brainer’

BALTIMORE—Shane Baz signed his five-year, $68 million contract two days before his first regular-season appearance for the Orioles. The 26-year-old right-hander will receive a $4 million signing bonus and a $1 million salary for this season, according to reports. Previously, he had agreed to a $3.5 salary in his year of arbitration.

Baz is set to make $7 million in 2027, $10 million in 2028, and $21million and $25 million in 2029 and 2030, which were set to be his first two years of free agency.

“It’s such a good opportunity,” Baz said. “It’s such a great team. I think it was a no-brainer for us, just to be in such a great spot.”

Baz, who came to the Orioles from the Tampa Bay in December, had a 17-17 record with a 4.25 ERA in 54 starts with the Rays. He’ll start on Sunday against Minnesota.

“I know Orioles fans don’t really know me unless they’ve seen me play against them,” he said. “You’re going to see a guy that’s going to give you everything I have every time I get on the field. I think my work speaks for itself.”

Baz’s extension is the second that president of baseball operations Mike Elias has completed in just over seven months. Last August, he signed 21-year-old catcher Samuel Basallo to a eight-year, $67 million contract just five days after his major league debut.

“I don’t think you ever really expecting to get into extension-type talks,” Baz said. “As soon as they reached out, I knew we wanted to get something done. It’s just such a great place to be. I was probably a little surprised about it, but it was too good an opportunity.”

Elias worked quickly and quietly on these extensions, and pointed out that he scouted Baz, who grew up in Houston, when he was scouting director for the Astros. Baz was considered one of the top prospects in baseball but has been limited by injuries.

“We’re very excited about his potential and the fit that he has already demonstrated here with this clubhouse and this team,” Elias said. “As we talked to him and his camp about extending his relationship with the team, we were able to find something that really made sense for both sides.

“We’re very optimistic about this partnership between this player, this city and this franchise. He’s really worked well with our coaching staff. He’s got a great arm. He’s got a bunch of plus pitches. He’s been really effective when he’s been out on the field, and he’s in great health and condition. I think he’s got a big season ahead of him and a big Orioles career ahead of him as we continue to amass talent in this organization.”

Baz, who had Tommy John surgery in September 2022, was 10-12 with a 4.87 ERA in 31 starts and 166 1/3 innings for the Rays last year but pitched much better away from Tampa Bay’s temporary home, George M. Steinbrenner Field. He’s pitched only 286 innings in his major league career.

“I think every player wants that feeling of security,” Baz said. “Just the belief behind you, in your ability, your work ethic, all that stuff …I  think everybody’s confident in this clubhouse.”

Manager Craig Albernaz said the Baz contract was an important sign.

“That just permeates through the clubhouse,” Albernaz said. “The message that we’re trying to win now and in the future.”

Catcher Adley Rutschman has been impressed by Baz.

“He’s a great guy, stays the same dude, super fun to be around,” Rutschman said. “Everyone enjoys talking to him. Out on the field he’s going to be a competitor. In the locker room, he’s going to pick guys up.”

Trevor Rogers, who started on Opening Day and has said he’d like to stay with the Orioles, is thrilled for Baz.

“He’s a guy’s guy,” Rogers said. “He jelled immediately in the clubhouse. To see the journey that he’s been on, just the stuff that he has, the overall good human being that he is, couldn’t be any happier for him and what he’s accomplished and that he gets to be here for five years.”

Rogers deflected talk about a possible extension.

“That would be a cool thing, but today’s about Shane,” Rogers said. “Maybe during the season, it’ll happen. They know what they want this team to look like, and if I’m a part of it, I’ll all for it. They know how I feel about this place, but at the end of the day it’s about Shane, and I’m really happy with them locking up Shane for five years.”

Centerfielder Colton Cowser has known Baz since they were youngsters in Houston.

“Shane’s a very talented arm, and it’s a no-brainer if they’re able to lock him up long-term, go ahead and do it,” Cowser said.

Basallo learned the news when he was out shopping with his family on Friday.

“Since the moment he arrived, he’s been a great addition to our team,” Basallo said through a team translator. “He’s been very nice to work with. He’s been a great addition to our clubhouse.”

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