What's Happening?
The Baltimore Orioles have announced the re-signing of right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin to a one-year contract valued at $10 million. This move comes as part of the Orioles' efforts to strengthen their
roster following a challenging 2025 season. Eflin, who faced multiple injuries last season, including lat and back issues, ended the year with a 5.93 ERA over 14 starts. Despite these setbacks, Eflin maintained a low walk rate of 4.2%. His performance in 2025 was a significant drop from his 2.60 ERA in nine starts after being acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024. The new contract includes a mutual option for the 2027 season and a $500,000 bonus if Eflin is traded. Eflin is expected to be a key part of the Orioles' rotation in 2026, joining a lineup that includes Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, and Shane Baz.
Why It's Important?
The re-signing of Zach Eflin is a strategic move by the Orioles to address their pitching challenges, as their rotation ranked 24th in the majors in ERA last season. Strengthening the rotation is crucial for the Orioles, who are aiming to rebound from a last-place finish in the American League East after consecutive postseason appearances. The team's president of baseball operations, Mike Elias, has been proactive this offseason, not only by re-signing Eflin but also by acquiring other key players such as Ryan Helsley and Pete Alonso. These moves indicate the Orioles' commitment to improving their competitiveness in a highly challenging division.
What's Next?
With Eflin's re-signing, the Orioles are likely to continue exploring additional options to enhance their rotation depth before the winter ends. The team may look into further trades or free-agent signings to solidify their pitching staff. The Orioles' management will be closely monitoring the performance of their newly acquired and re-signed players as they prepare for the upcoming season, aiming to return to postseason contention.
