The Orioles have reunited with Zach Eflin, as USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that Baltimore has signed the right-hander to a one-year free agent deal. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports that Eflin will earn $10MM, and Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner adds that the contract contains a mutual option for 2027. Eflin is represented by O’Connell Sports Management.
The O’s have been linked to several top-tier free agent pitchers this winter, and they also just swung a notable trade to land a hurler with frontline potential in Shane Baz. Eflin is more of a depth signing for the back of the rotation, and in some ways a flier given his uncertain health situation. Eflin underwent a back surgery in August that came with a rather broad recovery timeline of 4-8 months, so the fact that he has now signed a contract after four months perhaps hints that his rehab is going quite smoothly. It would be a welcome relief for both Eflin and the Orioles if he is able to pitch normally during Spring Training and be available for the Opening Day roster.
More to come…
