Rays Acquire Bryan Baker from Orioles: What to Make of Move

Last year, the Orioles & Rays worked out a significant trade for Zach Eflin. This year, the first notable trade during deadline month involved the two teams, as the Rays acquired reliever Bryan Baker from the O’s. In exchange, Baltimore added to their pool of MLB Draft picks.

The Rays’ Return

RP Bryan Baker (3.52 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 49 K over 38.1 IP)

A 16th-round pick nine years ago by the Rockies, Baker made his MLB debut in 2021 with the Blue Jays. The Orioles claimed Baker off waivers in November 2021, and he would turn into a useful reliever from the onset.

Baker struck out 76 batters over 69.2 IP in his rookie season three years ago. He ran into control problems in 2023 and 2024, though, as his walk rate jumped to 12.9% in 2023 from 8.9% in 2022. Thus, the right-hander was out on the option shuttle between Baltimore & Norfolk this season.

This season, though, Baker had his best run as a Major League pitcher for an Orioles bullpen that’s been a real strength for the team this season. Despite what would be a career-worst Barrel/PA (8.6) rate, Baker struck out 49 over 38.1 IP. If his 32.5% K% held, it would be a career-best.

The 30-year-old is primarily a three-pitch reliever, although he did break out a curve — and has not used it this year — in 2024. It’s fastball, changeup, and slider for Baker, a pitch mix that can deal with both lefties and righties.

Baker’s fastball sits in the mid-90s, with the 30-year-old topping out at 99 this season. It’s a fastball that, visually, gets on hitters fast and induces late swings.

However, what also works in his favor is the fact that Baker’s fastball is somewhat of a unicorn. It has some cut, along with above-average carry (18.4” IVB) on it.

Baker’s fastball has been a swing-and-miss pitch for him. Last season, the Whiff% was 30.2%. This year, it’s 29.9%.

Bryan Baker whiff 2025 BAL — You can see where Baker does his damage: up.

The new Rays reliever is under team control through the 2028 season.

The Orioles’ Return

CBA Pick in 2025 MLB Draft

Baltimore received the 37th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. Per league rules, picks from Competitive Balance A & B can be traded but can only be moved once.

Analysis

This will likely be the first of several moves made by the Orioles this month, as Baltimore wrestles with how to proceed after a rough three months.

Baltimore has several pending free agent bats, including Ryan O’Hearn and Cedric Mullins, not to mention ex-Rays reliever Andrew Kittredge, who signed with Baltimore last winter.

Now, the Orioles did trade away from a position of strength. Baltimore’s bullpen has been stout, thanks to the return of Felix Bautista, as well as quality seasons from Keegan Akin (IL), Seranthony Dominguez, and Gregory Soto, among others. Plus, it gives the Orioles added ammunition for the 2025 MLB Draft.

Baltimore now has four of the top 37 picks: their own at #19, plus #30 and #31, compensation for losing Corbin Burnes and Anthony Santander, respectively.

The Rays, meanwhile, traded away one of their two CBA picks. Tampa had pick #42, acquired when the team traded pitchers Jeffrey Springs and Jacob Lopez to the Athletics.

Baker’s addition gives the team a booming arm, very useful given the team is without Hunter Bigge. Plus, he gives the team a change-of-pace arm, given the Rays have a potent arm in closer Pete Fairbanks, plus several different righties in funky sinkerballer Kevin Kelly and Eric Orze.

Check out more of our MLB coverage.