Rays bolster rotation by adding Tyler Wells from Orioles

The Tampa Bay Rays continued fortifying their pitching staff on Monday in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the Rays have acquired pitcher Tyler Wells from the Orioles. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that pitcher Michael Forret is heading back to Baltimore.

Wells had been a solid option in the rotation before Tommy John surgery cost him most of the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The Orioles moved Wells into relief, where he has emerged as a viable option in the latter innings. Wells has posted a 2.67 ERA and a 0.963 WHiP over his 54 innings entering Monday, striking out 53 batters with 13 walks.

Tampa Bay Rays continue adding to rotation

The Rays had acquired Forret from the Orioles as part of their return for pitcher Shane Baz during the offseason. Forret has a solid arsenal with two different fastballs, a pair of changeups and a sweeping slider. While he does not have a plus offering, his excellent command gives him the floor of a back-of-the-rotation starter.

Wells gives the Rays a somewhat longer-term option in the back of the bullpen as he is under team control through 2027. He will also bolster a bullpen that has been top-heavy with closer Bryan Baker and setup men Garrett Clevinger and Kevin Kelly. The Rays bullpen entered Monday with a 4.02 ERA, exactly in the middle of the pack in the majors.