The Seattle Mariners just made a major move to bolster their pitching depth, officially announcing the acquisition and roster addition of former top prospect and electric right-handed pitcher Shane Baz, sending shockwaves across Major League Baseball.
After weeks of behind-the-scenes discussions, the Mariners finalized a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays to acquire Baz, who had been on a strong rehab comeback following Tommy John surgery. Seattle wasted no time in activating the 24-year-old flamethrower, officially adding him to the active roster ahead of their weekend series at T-Mobile Park.
“This is a big day for our organization,” said Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto. “Shane Baz has top-of-the-rotation talent, and he’s ready to contribute right now.”
Baz, a former first-round pick and a consensus Top 15 MLB prospect before his injury, brings a power fastball and wipeout slider to a Mariners rotation already stacked with talent — including Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, and George Kirby.
He showed flashes of dominance during his brief MLB stints with Tampa, posting a 2.99 ERA and 48 strikeouts over 40.1 innings pitched in parts of 2021 and 2022. After missing all of 2023, Baz has looked sharp in Triple-A rehab starts, hitting 97–98 mph and showing signs of being fully healthy.
“It feels amazing to be back,” Baz said. “I’ve worked hard to get here, and I’m ready to help Seattle win.”
The Mariners currently sit in a tight AL West race, and Baz’s addition could prove pivotal as they navigate a grueling summer stretch. He’s expected to start or provide long relief, depending on how the club manages innings and injuries down the line.
Seattle fans have quickly embraced the move, flooding social media with excitement about Baz’s upside and potential impact.
“He’s got ace stuff. This is a steal,” one fan posted on X. “World Series, here we come!”
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