Orioles Send Baker to Rays for 2025 Draft Pick

The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired right-handed reliever Bryan Baker from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for the No. 37 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, a competitive-balance selection. Baker, 30, has a 3.52 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts over 38.1 innings this season, and is expected to help stabilize the Rays' struggling bullpen. The Orioles, currently last in the AL East and beset by injuries, gain a valuable draft asset that gives them four picks in the top 40, signaling a potential shift toward rebuilding. Baker expressed gratitude to Baltimore for his four-year tenure and excitement to join Tampa Bay. The trade is seen as a strong return for Baltimore and could shape a seller-friendly relief market ahead of the deadline. In a related move, the Orioles have temporarily selected catcher David Bañuelos to address injuries at the catcher position.