Trade of Bryan Baker Signals Potential Shifts for Orioles
Among the many trade possibilities for the Baltimore Orioles, right-handed pitcher Bryan Baker was seldom mentioned. However, on Thursday, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for the No. 37 pick in the 2025 amateur draft, which starts this Sunday. This could indicate that the Orioles might be on the verge of a series of trades similar to what the Rays executed last year.
The Rays made nine trades last July and brought in 16 players, including only two major leaguers: infielder-outfielder Christopher Morel and outfielder Dylan Carlson. The Orioles, seen as one of baseball’s most disappointing teams, might follow suit with a comparable number of transactions.
“If we make trades, I hope we evaluate the talent effectively and make moves that benefit the organization in the long run,” said Orioles general manager Mike Elias on Thursday. “We hadn’t intended to trade players from the major-league roster in July, but we’re reacting to our current situation. The coming weeks will reveal our next steps.”
Baltimore’s list of potential free agents includes notable names like All-Star designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn, center fielder Cedric Mullins, and outfielder Ramón Laureano, alongside several right-handed pitchers. Starters Tomoyuki Sugano and Charlie Morton, as well as relievers Andrew Kittredge, Seranthony Domínguez, and Gregory Soto, could also be on the move. Moreover, starter Zach Eflin is expected to return from a lower back strain after the All-Star break.
The Orioles might consider trading closer Félix Bautista, who is under team control for two more seasons. Nonetheless, their aim is to be competitive by 2026, reflecting the Rays’ strategy from last July. Except for Morel, none of the players the Rays acquired were expected to contribute immediately.
If the Orioles cannot secure the pitching they require, they can still bolster their prospect pool, enhancing their chances for offseason trades. The return for Baker highlights the demand for a reliever under club control for three additional years, aiding Baltimore’s efforts in this area.
The Orioles now possess the No. 19, 30, 31, and 37 picks in the draft. The 19th pick is their first-round selection, while the 30th and 31st are compensation picks from free agents Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander. The 37th pick is a competitive-balance choice from the Rays, which is tradable.
“Overall, we’ve drafted well over the past six years,” Elias commented. “The players you see performing on the field are a testament to that. Every draft holds significance, but having multiple picks magnifies that importance. It’s a substantial opportunity for our franchise.”
The Rays are also expected to be active in the lead-up to the deadline. With a record of 50-43, they currently occupy the second AL wild-card position, trailing the New York Yankees by 1.5 games and the Toronto Blue Jays by four games in the AL East. Typically, the Rays engage in both buying and selling when they are competitive, especially with their bullpen struggling in recent weeks.
Baker, who has made 42 appearances—just four fewer than San Francisco’s Tyler Rogers for the most in the majors—should bring stability to the Rays’ bullpen. His performance features a 3.52 ERA and a .729 OPS against, and while those stats aren’t groundbreaking, he has recorded 49 strikeouts against only nine walks across 38.1 innings. The Rays have a strong reputation for maximizing their pitchers’ potential.
Additional reporting by Tim Britton.
(Top photo of Bryan Baker: Edward M. Pio Roda / Getty Images)
