In a significant move for their roster, the Baltimore Orioles have officially re-signed right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin to a one-year contract worth $10 million, as reported by ESPN's Alden Gonzalez. This decision comes as the team aims to bolster its lineup following a disappointing 2025 season.
Eflin, who is 31 years old, faced considerable challenges last year, being part of an Orioles rotation that was plagued by injuries. He spent time on the injured list three times due to issues with his lat and back muscles. As a result, his performance suffered, culminating in a 5.93 ERA over 14 starts, despite maintaining a commendable low walk rate of just 4.2%. This was largely due to a decrease in his strikeout rate and an increase in the number of home runs he allowed. This performance starkly contrasts with his earlier success, where he had an impressive 2.60 ERA in nine starts after being traded from the Tampa Bay Rays at the 2024 trade deadline.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Eflin is expected to take on a role at the back end of the Orioles' rotation, especially with the addition of healthy pitchers like Trevor Rogers, who had a breakout year, along with Kyle Bradish and Shane Baz, who was recently acquired from the Rays in exchange for prospects.
The Orioles also have other internal candidates, such as Dean Kremer and Tyler Wells, that could potentially fill out the rotation. The team is actively seeking to enhance its pitching depth before the winter concludes.
Improving the rotation is one of the top three priorities set by Mike Elias, the president of baseball operations for the Orioles, particularly after the team’s struggles led them to a last-place finish in the highly competitive American League East, following two consecutive playoff appearances.
In addition to reinforcing their pitching staff, Elias has made strides in addressing other key areas this offseason by securing a closer and bringing in right-handed power hitters. Notably, the Orioles signed right-hander Ryan Helsley to a lucrative two-year deal worth $28 million, traded right-hander Grayson Rodriguez for outfielder Taylor Ward, who will be a free agent soon, and signed first baseman Pete Alonso to a substantial five-year contract totaling $155 million.
Interestingly, MLB Network was the first to disclose the financial specifics of Eflin's new deal with the Orioles.
But here's where it gets controversial: with these moves, are the Orioles truly setting themselves up for success, or is there a risk of overspending and underperforming? What do you think about the direction the Orioles are taking? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!
