Orioles re-sign fan fav RHP Zach Eflin to 2026 one-year deal, with option for 2027
In a move that underscores the Baltimore Orioles’ intent to bolster their pitching staff ahead of the 2026 season, the club officially re-signed right-hander Zach Eflin to a one-year contract worth $10 million on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The deal also includes a mutual option for the 2027 season, signaling a cautious but optimistic approach to a pitcher whose 2025 campaign was hampered by injuries.
Eflin, who turns 32 in April, originally joined the Orioles midway through 2024 after a trade from the Tampa Bay Rays. Baltimore later turned to him as its Opening Day starter in 2025, but his season was marred by a right lat strain and subsequent lumbar microdiscectomy back surgery, limiting him to just 14 starts with a 6-5 record and a 5.93 ERA.
Despite those setbacks, the Orioles’ front office appears confident that Eflin can rebound and contribute meaningful innings in 2026, filling a role in a rotation that already includes Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer and offseason acquisition Shane Baz. The one-year pact—standard for pitchers coming off injury—gives Baltimore flexibility while preserving Eflin’s chance to re-establish his value.
To create room on the 40-man roster for the re-signing, Baltimore designated rookie outfielder Will Robertson for assignment, a procedural move that underscores the club’s prioritization of pitching depth.
The signing is one of several Orioles offseason moves, joining high-profile additions like slugger Pete Alonso and reliever Ryan Helsley, as the franchise looks to rebound from a disappointing 2025 and stake its claim in the loaded American League East. For more on the Orioles adding another starting pitcher in the guise of fan favorite veteran hurler Zach Eflin, see the video accompanying this article.
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(Sources: Reuters, MLB.com, MLB Trade Rumors, ESPN)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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