Shane Baz, Orioles reportedly close to five-year contract extension
Mike Elias has finally done it: He’s committed multiple years to a starting pitcher.
SARASOTA, FLORIDA - MARCH 04: Shane Baz #34 of the Baltimore Orioles delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Houston Astros during a Grapefruit League spring training game at Ed Smith Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Sarasota, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Orioles are staying busy even on the off day between Opening Day and the second game of the season. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported on Friday afternoon that the O’s and Shane Baz are in the process of finalizing a five-year, $68 million contract extension.
That’s a serious vote of confidence in a player who has yet to even throw a regular season pitch for the Orioles and who had a bad ERA in his only full season to date as a major league starter. The team obviously believed in Baz’s breakout potential since they traded four prospects to get him, including two high draft picks from last year’s draft. Now they’ve put an even bigger sign down that they believe in Baz.
I am surprised to see Mike Elias finally commit any kind of big, multi-year money to a pitcher. He really is doing things differently now. According to Passan, the contract will buy out three years of Baz’s arbitration and two years of free agency.
That suggests a deal that is replacing his already-negotiated 2026 salary of $3. 5 million; Baz had been set to become a free agent after the 2028 season, three full seasons (minus one day) from now. The Orioles will now control his rights through the 2030 season.