Shane Baz Recalls First Connection With Adley Rutschman Ahead of 2026 Season

The Baltimore Orioles’ offseason has been defined by bold moves, but few have generated as much excitement as the acquisition of starting pitcher Shane Baz from the Tampa Bay Rays. At just 26 years old, Baz is poised to become the anchor of Baltimore’s rotation, and his chemistry with catcher Adley Rutschman is a storyline that fans are already following closely.

Baz vividly recalls the first time he threw to Rutschman back in 2021, during the MLB Futures Game. That day, the two displayed a synergy that hints at the promise of what’s to come now that they are teammates in Baltimore.

“I remember throwing to Adley for one inning in the 2021 Futures Game. I recorded two strikeouts and a first-pitch groundout. It was quick,” Baz said. “We were on the same page the whole time, so it was cool. Now we’re teammates in Baltimore.”

The two had not crossed paths in the majors until now, but their instant connection in that showcase hints at the smooth communication and understanding that could benefit the Orioles’ pitching staff immediately.

Baz’s Journey to Baltimore

Baz’s professional journey has had its ups and downs. He made his MLB debut in 2021, quickly impressing with his elite strikeout ability and command. However, his career faced a setback in 2023 when he suffered a right elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the entire season.

Despite that, Baz has accumulated four seasons of MLB experience, posting a career 4.25 ERA and a 1.227 WHIP while recording 293 strikeouts over 286 innings pitched. His strikeout-to-innings ratio underscores his potential as a frontline starter, and Baltimore hopes he can regain his pre-injury form to lead a rotation that has been a point of concern in recent seasons.

Baltimore’s Commitment to the Rotation

The front office’s aggressive trade for Baz demonstrates that Baltimore is committed to improving its starting pitching. The deal involved sending top prospects Slater de Brun, Caden Bodine, Michael Forret, and Austin Overn, along with a 2026 Competitive Balance draft pick (No. 33 overall) to Tampa Bay.

This move addresses a long-standing need: the Orioles’ rotation, while showing flashes of talent, has lacked a true ace capable of carrying a team into the postseason. Baz’s arrival changes that dynamic. With his combination of velocity, movement, and strikeout ability, he provides the Orioles with a pitcher around whom they can build their staff.

Reuniting with Rutschman

Baz’s first connection with Rutschman is more than just a nostalgic footnote. Catcher-pitcher chemistry is one of the most overlooked yet critical elements of a pitching staff’s success. Rutschman, now in his fourth professional season, has already proven himself to be a defensive and offensive cornerstone for Baltimore. His ability to call games, frame pitches, and manage the mound will complement Baz’s power pitching style.

In that one inning of the 2021 Futures Game, Baz and Rutschman were “on the same page the whole time,” and Orioles fans are eager to see if that rapport will translate into consistent performance in the major leagues. A strong working relationship between Baz and Rutschman could be the key to stabilizing a rotation that struggled at times in 2025.

What Orioles Fans Can Expect

While Baz’s potential is immense, there are some caveats. Recovering fully from Tommy John surgery takes time, and a pitcher’s first season back can often include ups and downs as he rebuilds strength and endurance. Baltimore’s coaching staff, under new manager Craig Albernaz, will be tasked with integrating Baz carefully, balancing innings limits with the need for competitive performance.

Baz’s addition also places a spotlight on the rest of the rotation. Pitchers like Zach Eflin and others will be expected to provide depth behind Baz, ensuring that Baltimore can contend even if their new ace experiences the typical bumps that come with returning from a major injury.

The High Ceiling

Baz’s ceiling remains incredibly high. His combination of raw talent, MLB experience, and pre-existing connection with Rutschman positions him as a potential ace for the Orioles. If he can stay healthy and maintain his strikeout efficiency, Baz could not only solidify the Orioles’ rotation but also become a central figure in their push for postseason relevance in the AL East.

Baltimore’s front office has made it clear: they are in a win-now mode while also building a foundation for sustained success. Baz’s presence is emblematic of that strategy. He’s not just another starter; he’s a cornerstone of a team that has added Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, and Ryan Helsley in an aggressive offseason designed to elevate the roster from last year’s disappointment.

Looking Ahead

As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on Shane Baz and his integration with the Orioles’ roster. Fans will watch his interplay with Rutschman, his command on the mound, and his ability to lead the rotation. While there is always some risk when acquiring a pitcher coming off injury, the potential reward is immense.

For Baz, the 2026 season represents a chance to fulfill the promise he showed early in his career. For the Orioles, it marks a critical step in a larger strategy to transform a once-underperforming team into a legitimate playoff contender. The first inning he threw to Rutschman in 2021 may have been brief, but the Orioles hope that connection grows into a full-season partnership capable of driving success at Oriole Park at Camden Yards and beyond.