Orioles Re-Sign Former AL Wins Leader To Bolster Rotation
The Baltimore Orioles have been ultra-aggressive this offseason, and their fan base has to be thrilled. Baltimore has made multiple moves, and they’ve landed Taylor Ward, Ryan Helsley, Pete Alonso, and Shane Baz in the process.
Sunday night brought another addition.
The Orioles have re-signed 31-year-old right-hander Zach Eflin to a one-year, $10 million deal, according to multiple sources, including USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Eflin’s 2025 season with Baltimore proved challenging. Injuries limited him to 14 starts. He posted a 6-5 record with a 5.93 ERA over 71 1/3 innings, striking out 50 batters while maintaining a 1.42 WHIP.
Eflin endured three stints on the injured list, culminating in a season-ending back issue in August that required lumbar microdiscectomy surgery. Despite flashes of his command-oriented pitching, including a five-strikeout performance against the Cleveland Guardians in July, Eflin’s off-year contributed to the Orioles’ overall struggles.
Even so, this is a guy who led the American League in wins as recently as 2023. The talent is there, and if he’s healthy, Eflin could be a huge factor once again.
Over his decade-long MLB career, Eflin has established himself as a reliable starter. Drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2012, he debuted with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016, later thriving with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023 (16-8, 3.50 ERA) before joining Baltimore mid-2024.
Known for his efficient fastball-slider mix and low walk rates, Eflin has compiled 74 wins, 72 losses, and a 4.35 career ERA with 972 strikeouts through 2025.