Reliever Tyler Wells is being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan, and the Orioles are getting back right-handed pitching prospect Michael Forret in the deal.
The Orioles originally traded Forret to Tampa Bay in the Shane Baz trade this offseason. Forret was Tampa Bay's No. 8 overall prospect and this year is 7-2 with 3.29 ERA over 93 innings between Double-A and Triple-A.
Wells, a 6-foot-8 righty is set to be a free agent after 2027. He has been effective out of the bullpen for the Orioles this year, with a 2.67 ERA in 43 appearances and 54 innings. He's had four saves, filling a need after closer Tyler Helsley went down with an elbow injury. Wells underwent UCL surgery in June 2024 and didn't pitch in the majors again until last September.
Wells had been with the Orioles since 2021, as a reliever, starter, then reliever again, after being a Rule 5 pick from the Minnesota Twins.
This deal is the Orioles fourth ahead of Monday’s trade deadline and all have been “sells.”