The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired right-handed relief pitcher Bryan Baker from the Baltimore Orioles in a trade announced on Thursday. In exchange for Baker, the Orioles will receive the 37th overall competitive-balance pick in the upcoming Major League Baseball Draft.
The move comes as the Rays look to strengthen their bullpen for the remainder of the season. Baker, 30, has been a dependable arm for the Orioles, posting a 3.52 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP with 49 strikeouts over 38.1 innings in 42 appearances this season.
Speaking to reporters, Baker acknowledged the trade came as a "shock, for sure," but expressed excitement about joining the Rays, a team known for its development of pitchers. He is expected to join the team for their upcoming series.
For the Orioles, the trade signals a potential shift in strategy as the trade deadline approaches. General Manager Mike Elias indicated that this move could be a "step in that direction" when asked if the team was moving towards selling.
Baker has been with the Orioles since being claimed off waivers after the 2021 season. Over his four seasons with Baltimore, he compiled a 3.73 ERA with 199 strikeouts in 173 games. The Florida native will be under team control for three more seasons after the current one, providing the Rays with a long-term bullpen option.
