It’s been an incredible breakout season for Tampa Bay Rays reliever Bryan Baker, who, truth be told, should get strong consideration for the AL Cy Young Award.
While more than likely either Toronto Blue Jays starter Dylan Cease or New York Yankees starter Cam Schlittler will win, a strong case can be made for Baker, who as of August 26th has surrendered only nine runs in 52.0 innings for a 1.56 ERA while striking out 58 and leading all Major League Baseball with 38 saves.
What makes this such an amazing storyline is the fact that heading into the season, no one in the Rays organization could have seen this occurring given that the 31-year-old before this year had only four career saves.
Another reason why this sudden breakout season is arguably this year’s biggest storyline, is Baker’s consistency which is what should make him a serious CY Young candidate.
Bryan Baker’s Dominance In Tampa
Tampa Bay Rays Stopper Bryan Baker Enjoying All-Star Season
In what has been a truly historic season, Baker, back on August 8th set franchise history when at T-Mobile Park, he pitched a perfect ninth inning for what was his 34th save of the season, and unbelievably his 23rd in a row which broke the old franchise mark of 22 straight set by flashy reliever Fernando Rodney.
“He’s been rock solid for us all season,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said back on August 1st following a 1-0 win where Baker picked up his league-leading 31st save. “We’ve got so much confidence when he comes into the game. And he provides that because he attacks in the strike zone, picks up strike one real quick and then gets pretty nasty.”
With more than a month remaining in the season, Baker, who, keep in mind, wasn’t the closer in spring training, is on pace to break the Rays record of saves in one season, which is currently 48 held by Rodney.
“Currently, with his 38 saves, Baker has the seventh most saves in a season for a Tampa Bay pitcher.
Right now, he trails only Brad Boxberger (41 saves in 2015), Danys Baez (41 saves in 2005), Roberto Hernandez (43 saves in 1999), Rafael Soriano (45 saves in 2010), Alex Colome (47 saves in 2017) and occupying first place, Rodney.
Back on July 10, 2025, Baker was traded from the Baltimore Orioles to Tampa Bay where he finished the season with a 1-2 record along with a 4.75 ERA, 34 strikeouts and a save.
Baker Plays In his First MLB All-Star Game
It’s been quite the journey for Baker who went from being selected in the 2016 draft, 11th round by the Colorado Rockies to about 10 years later playing in his first MLB All-Star Game.
“Definitely not something that I expected coming into the year or anything like that,” Baker said. “It’s a pleasant surprise for sure,” he said.
Baker never ended up pitching with the Rockies. In fact it wouldn’t be until September 5, 2021 when as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, he finally made his MLB debut where against the Oakland A’s he pitched a scoreless inning and recorded his first MLB strikeout.
Approximately two months later, on November 8, 2021, Baker was taken off waivers by the Orioles.
During the 2025 season, before being traded to the Rays, Baker had a 3-2 record with a respectable 3.52 ERA along with two saves and 49 strikeouts in 38 1/3 innings before being traded.
Baker’s strengths include his fastball and changeup. Looking to make a strong impression this season and grab the closer’s role, Baker got off to a rock solid start which includes in his first 38 games racking up 25 saves and a 1.73 ERA.
“It’s a huge shock. Not something you look forward to or expect to happen,” Baker said. “It’s probably the last thing I expected that day.”
At the July 14th All-Star Game in Philadelphia’s Citizens Bank Park, Baker showed no nerves as he entered the game with two outs in the ninth and after surrendering a hit, got that third out in an eventual 4-0 AL win.
Baker along with third baseman Junior Caminero, DH Yandy Diaz and starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen all represented the American League Eastern Division leading Tampa Bay Rays.
Baker Stirs Up Controversy After Completing Five Out Save vs. Orioles
Back On August 17th, Baker was his usual impressive self in striking out two and getting five outs for his 35th save in a 7-6 Rays win at Tropicana Field against the Orioles. However, after the game Baker received attention for something else that occurred on the field.
After striking out Orioles Leody Taveras for the final out, an excited, pumped up Baker suddenly while looking over at his own dugout grabbed his crotch area. Needless to say this gesture was talked about afterwards on social media.
The breakout of Baker is an inspiring story and is a major reason why the Rays will more than likely win the AL East Division.
With approximately a month remaining in the season, look for this former fridge major leaguer to become the Rays all-time leader in saves for one season.
Main Image: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
