How Rays' 2025 trade with Orioles could lead to World Series title
This trade has turned out splendidly for the Rays.
The Tampa Bay Rays are looking to win the organization's first World Series championship.
Tampa Bay made the Fall Classic in 2008 but fell short against the Philadelphia Phillies .
First, they'll match up with the New York Yankees in the ALDS.
A pivotal part of a championship squad is the back end of a bullpen, specifically the closer.
Right-hander Bryan Baker has emerged as one of the best in the business, posting a 1.44 ERA with 41 saves in 65 appearances in 2026.
Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter wrote that Baker is Tampa Bay's "biggest surprise" of the season.
"After declining their club option on Pete Fairbanks last winter, the Rays entered the season without a set closer.
"By season's end, Baker was tied for the MLB lead with 41 saves, using a lethal fastball-changeup combination to turn in a season that should earn him Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year honors. The 31-year-old was acquired from the Orioles midway through the 2025 season," Reuter added.
In return for Baker, the Orioles received a Competitive Balance A Round Draft pick, which turned into outfielder Slater de Brun.
de Brun is still a few years away from making an impact in the Majors, while Baker is arguably a top-five closer in baseball.
Topics in this story
Gathered from external sources. Rights to this text belong to whoever originally published it.