The Baltimore Orioles re-signed right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin to a one-year, $10 million contract Sunday, signaling a continued investment in the team’s roster following a disappointing 2025 season.
Orioles Bolster Rotation with Eflin Return
The move aims to address a key area of need for Baltimore after a 24th-ranked ERA in 2025.
- Zach Eflin’s deal includes a mutual option for the 2027 season.
- A $500,000 bonus is included if Eflin is traded.
- Baltimore is actively reshaping its pitching staff after a last-place finish in the AL East.
- The Orioles have also added Ryan Helsley and signed Pete Alonso this offseason.
Eflin, 31, faced challenges with injuries during the 2025 season, landing on the injured list three times due to lat and back issues. Despite this, he maintained a remarkably low walk rate of 4.2%. However, his overall performance resulted in a 5.93 ERA across 14 starts, a stark contrast to the impressive 2.60 ERA he posted in nine starts after being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays at the 2024 trade deadline.
What factors contributed to the Orioles’ decision to re-sign Zach Eflin despite his injury-riddled 2025 season? The Orioles clearly see potential in Eflin, particularly given his strong performance after joining the team in 2024, and are betting on a healthier 2026 campaign.
Eflin, who started on Opening Day for the Orioles last season, is expected to slot into the back end of the 2026 rotation. This positioning allows for the development of a potentially formidable front end, featuring a healthy Trevor Rogers, coming off a breakout season, Kyle Bradish, and Shane Baz, recently acquired from the Rays for prospects earlier this month.
Dean Kremer and Tyler Wells represent additional internal options for the Orioles, who may seek further rotation depth before the end of the offseason. Improving the rotation, which ranked 24th in the majors in ERA last season, was a top priority for Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias after the team finished in last place in the American League East following consecutive postseason appearances.
Elias has been aggressive in addressing the team’s needs this winter, focusing on bolstering the rotation, adding a closer, and increasing right-handed power. In addition to re-signing Eflin, the Orioles secured right-hander Ryan Helsley with a two-year, $28 million contract. They also traded right-hander Grayson Rodriguez for outfielder Taylor Ward and signed first baseman Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million deal.
Financial details of Eflin’s deal with the Orioles were first reported by MLB Network.
