The Baltimore Orioles have strengthened their starting rotation by acquiring right-hander Zach Eflin from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for three minor league players.
Baltimore, leading the AL East, is aiming for its second consecutive division title but has been hampered by season-ending injuries to starters Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells. Eflin, 30, holds a 5-7 record with a 4.09 ERA this season.
The deal also considers Baltimore’s future needs, as Eflin is under contract through 2025, earning $18 million next year. Tampa Bay will cover $1 million of Eflin’s assignment bonus. The Orioles sent outfielder Matthew Etzel, right-hander Jackson Baumeister, and utility player Mac Horvath to Tampa Bay. Eflin had previously signed a three-year, $40 million deal with the Rays before the 2023 season, posting a 16-8 record with a 3.50 ERA last year.
In addition to Eflin, the Orioles acquired reliever Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache from Philadelphia in exchange for outfielder Austin Hays, further bolstering their bullpen. Meanwhile, the Rays continue to sell, recently trading outfielder Randy Arozarena to Seattle. Tampa Bay’s farm system gains with the addition of Horvath and Baumeister, ranked as Baltimore’s No. 10 and No. 17 prospects, respectively.
