UPDATE: The Baltimore Orioles have just announced a significant move, re-signing right-hander Zach Eflin to a one-year contract worth $10 million. This urgent decision comes as Baltimore looks to bolster its roster following a disappointing 2025 season.
Eflin’s contract also includes a mutual option for the 2027 season and a $500,000 bonus if he is traded, according to sources confirmed by ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez. The 31-year-old pitcher faced challenges last season, landing on the injured list multiple times due to lat and back injuries, resulting in a high 5.93 ERA over 14 starts.
The Orioles are making a concerted effort to improve their pitching rotation, which ranked 24th in the majors last season. With Mike Elias, the president of baseball operations, prioritizing rotation upgrades, this signing marks a key step in their strategy to rebound after finishing last in the competitive American League East.
Despite Eflin’s struggles in 2025, where he posted a worrying uptick in home runs allowed, he previously demonstrated his potential with a commendable 2.60 ERA in nine starts following his acquisition from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024. Fans are hopeful that a healthier Eflin can recapture that form.
As the Orioles look to revamp their lineup, Eflin is expected to take on a role at the back end of the rotation, joining a healthier core that includes breakout star Trevor Rogers and recent acquisition Shane Baz. With options like Dean Kremer and Tyler Wells also available, the Orioles are set to deepen their pitching roster before the season kicks off.
This move follows a series of aggressive signings by the Orioles, including acquiring closer Ryan Helsley for $28 million over two years, trading pitcher Grayson Rodriguez for outfielder Taylor Ward, and securing first baseman Pete Alonso with a substantial $155 million contract over five years.
As the offseason progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the Orioles’ performance in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
