Former Summit High School baseball standout and Major League Baseball (MLB) first-round draft pick, Slater de Brun, has been traded from the Baltimore Orioles to the Tampa Bay Rays, according to a report by ESPN. This trade, which took place on December 19, 2025, marks a significant move in the league, as de Brun was part of a package deal that included fellow players Caden Bodine, Michael Forret, and Austin Overn. In exchange, the Orioles received right-handed pitcher Shane Baz and a Competitive Balance Round A pick.
De Brun, who was selected as the 37th overall pick in the MLB draft earlier this year, had been committed to play college baseball at Vanderbilt University but chose to sign with the Orioles after being drafted. He is noted as the highest-drafted baseball player from Central Oregon since Jacoby Ellsbury was chosen by the Boston Red Sox in 2005, highlighting the significance of this transition for both the player and the region.
During his high school career, de Brun played a crucial role in leading Summit High to the Class 5A state title in the spring. In his final season, the 5-foot-10-inch outfielder showcased impressive statistics, finishing with a batting average of .370, 26 runs batted in, 35 runs scored, and 22 stolen bases. His performance earned him accolades such as the Intermountain Conference Player of the Year and a first-team all-state selection.
De Brun’s talent was further recognized when he was selected to represent the USA Baseball National Team last summer, adding to his growing reputation in the sport. The trade to the Rays represents a new chapter in his career as he seeks to make his mark in Major League Baseball.
The move also emphasizes Tampa Bay’s strategy in enhancing their roster. As the Rays aim to bolster their pitching staff with the acquisition of Baz, the addition of de Brun and his fellow players signals a commitment to strengthening their team for the upcoming season.
As the baseball world watches, de Brun’s transition to the Tampa Bay Rays will undoubtedly be closely followed by fans and analysts alike, eager to see how he adapts to this new environment and what impact he will have on his new team.
