Orioles Bring Back Veteran Starter Zach Eflin on $10 Million Deal
The Baltimore Orioles have been active participants in both the free agency and trade markets this offseason. Although they may not be leading the league in total spending, the organization has clearly shown a willingness to invest aggressively in strengthening the roster.
The Orioles have already made notable moves to improve their lineup, highlighted by the additions of Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward. On the pitching side, Ryan Helsley has stepped into a key bullpen role following Felix Bautista’s situation, while Shane Baz has been brought in to bolster the starting rotation.
Despite these additions, Baltimore is continuing to add depth to its pitching staff. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Orioles have agreed to terms with veteran right-hander Zach Eflin, signing the former Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays starter to a one-year contract worth $10 million. This deal marks Eflin’s return to Baltimore.
Heyman reports that the contract carries a total value of $10 million for the 2026 season, a low-risk, reasonable investment for the Orioles as they bet on Eflin rediscovering his form after a difficult 2025 campaign. During that season in Baltimore, Eflin struggled, recording a 5.93 ERA across 14 starts and finishing with a -0.6 bWAR in what was his second stint with the club.
However, the Orioles are not solely judging Eflin by his most recent performance. After being acquired midway through the 2024 season, he was highly effective, posting an impressive 2.60 ERA in nine regular-season starts. He also delivered in the postseason, allowing just a 2.25 ERA in his lone playoff appearance, pitching four solid innings.
Eflin’s track record with the Tampa Bay Rays further supports Baltimore’s decision. From the start of the 2023 season through part of 2024, he made 50 starts for Tampa Bay, registering a 3.72 ERA and accumulating 4.5 bWAR. Notably, he led the American League in wins during the 2023 season, cementing his reputation as a reliable rotation presence.
Earlier in his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, Eflin experienced a slow start, but from 2018 to 2022 he established himself as a dependable arm. Over that stretch, he posted a 4.16 ERA and contributed 7.5 bWAR across 105 appearances. He also played a valuable role out of the bullpen during Philadelphia’s run to the 2022 World Series.
Now 31 years old, Eflin returns to Baltimore on a one-year, $10 million contract. While he may not be the high-profile former Phillies pitcher some Orioles fans were hoping for—such as Ranger Suárez—he represents a solid and experienced depth option for the Orioles’ rotation as they prepare for the 2026 season.
