The Baltimore Orioles continued reshaping their pitching depth Monday, acquiring right‑handed starter Michael Forret from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for veteran right‑hander Tyler Wells. The move reunites Baltimore with a former draftee who has developed into one of Tampa Bay’s top pitching prospects, while the Rays add an experienced, multi‑role arm for their bullpen.
Forret Returns to Baltimore as a Top-10 Rays Prospect
Forret, 22, has been one of the most effective young starters in Tampa Bay’s system this season. Across 19 starts between Double‑A Montgomery and Triple‑A Durham, he posted a 7–2 record, 3.29 ERA, 102 strikeouts, and a .213 opponents’ average over 93 innings. His performance earned him consensus top‑10 prospect status, ranking No. 8 in the Rays’ system according to both MLB Pipeline and Baseball America.
Originally drafted by Baltimore in the 14th round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of the State College of Florida, Forret was traded to Tampa Bay in December 2025 as part of the deal that sent Shane Baz to the Orioles. Now, after a breakout season, he returns to the organization that first selected him.
Wells Heads to Tampa Bay After Strong Relief Season in Baltimore
Wells, 31, has been a reliable bullpen arm for the Orioles in 2026, recording a 2–2 record, four saves, and a 2.67 ERA across 43 appearances. He struck out 53 batters in 54 innings, allowing just 39 hits and 13 walks.
Since joining Baltimore via the 2020 Rule 5 Draft, Wells has pitched in 142 games (50 starts), posting a 3.79 ERA across six seasons. The Tulsa, Okla., native was originally drafted by Minnesota in the 15th round of the 2016 MLB Draft.
The trade gives Baltimore a high‑ceiling young starter who has excelled at the upper levels of the minors, while Tampa Bay adds a proven major league arm capable of contributing immediately in a variety of roles.
