Veteran right-hander Zach Eflin, sidelined much of 2025 by injuries, has re-signed with the Baltimore Orioles on a one-year, $10 million deal with a mutual option for 2027. Excited about his health, Eflin aims to reclaim a rotation spot as the team builds for a 2026 rebound following a 75-87 season.
The Orioles announced Eflin's return on Sunday night, bolstering their starting staff amid an aggressive offseason (see related coverage). The 31-year-old, a 10-year MLB veteran, endured a rough 2025 after opening as Baltimore's Day One starter. Injuries limited him to 14 starts with a 5.93 ERA, including three IL stints: right lat strain (April 8-May 11), low back discomfort (June 29 through season's end), and lumbar microdiscectomy surgery on August 18.
Eflin has progressed well in recovery, resuming throwing in early November and planning his first bullpen session for January 6. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays before the 2024 deadline, he thrived with a 2.60 ERA over nine outings, then tossed four innings of one-run ball in the AL Wild Card Series loss to Kansas City.
His career highlights include a breakout 2023 with the Rays (16-8, 3.50 ERA, 31 starts, sixth in AL Cy Young voting) after six years with the Phillies (2016-2022).
"These guys wanted me back after missing all those starts and having an arm injury and having a back surgery. I get a chance to go back and show what I really am," Eflin said on a Monday Zoom call. "I feel better than I ever have in my life."
Eflin could compete for the No. 4 starter role in a rotation featuring Kyle Bradish, Trevor Rogers, Shane Baz, Dean Kremer and others. He praised the club's "win-now" additions like Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, Ryan Helsley, Andrew Kittredge and Leody Taveras, targeting a World Series run.