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Starting Sunday, Shane Baz set to prove worth after signing extension originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Pitcher Shane Baz on Sunday will get his first chance to show the Baltimore Orioles they made a solid business decision.
Two days after signing a five-year, $68 million contract extension, Baz, an offseason free-agent acquisition, drew the series-ending start against the Minnesota Twins at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Baz will face Twins starter Bailey Ober, but much of the pre-game focus remains on the former Tampa Bay Rays prospect.
He has a lot to prove.
Extended Shane Baz set for first Orioles start
Baz earned Friday’s financial commitment after making 31 starts for the Rays last season, going 10-12 with a 4.67 earned-run average and 176 strikeouts.
The 26-year-old right-hander missed 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Entering this season with a 17-17 career record, Baz certainly impressed the Orioles brass during his first spring training with the organization. Opening the regular season as a No. 3 starter, Baz recorded a 2.61 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 10.1 innings.
"It's such a good opportunity,” Baz said, per Yahoo Sports. “It's such a great team. I think it was kind of a no-brainer.”
For both sides.
Rebuilding for what seems to be a generation, the Orioles’ stocked farm system has yet to produce a consistent major-league lineup. They slumped to an underwhelming 75-87 record last season.
The Orioles opened the regular season Thursday with a 2-1 win over the Twins, but fell 4-1 Saturday.
To compete in the AL East, the Orioles needed proven pitching.
Did they get it long-term with Bez?
He’ll get his first chance to prove it Sunday.
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