In an effort to improve the team’s bullpen during the 2025 MLB season, the Tampa Bay Rays pulled off a surprising trade with their American League East rivals, the Baltimore Orioles.
Just days ahead of the 2025 MLB Draft, on July 10, they acquired right-handed relief pitcher Bryan Baker in exchange for a pick. The selection sent to the Orioles ended up being No. 37 overall, which was used on high school outfielder Slater de Brun.
It was a deal that surprised a lot of people. Giving up a valuable asset such as a draft pick isn’t something the Rays normally do. Let alone for a middle relief pitcher, many would consider solid but not great.
Only time will tell if that deal was worthwhile for Tampa Bay, but the early returns would say no. On top of his underwhelming production with the Rays, the team now has to pay him a significant raise.
Byran Baker set for sizable salary increase