Orioles bring back free agent right-hander Zach Eflin to Baltimore on a $10 million, 1-year deal

The Baltimore Orioles have secured right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin on a $10 million, one-year contract, bringing the veteran hurler back to the team after a challenging 2025 season.

Eflin, 31, initially joined the Orioles during the 2024 season in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. His initial impact with Baltimore was positive, as he delivered strong performances down the stretch. However, his 2025 campaign was derailed by injuries, resulting in a disappointing 6-5 record and a bloated 5.93 ERA.

The timing of Eflin’s health issues proved particularly problematic for the organization last season. As the Orioles struggled through what would become a last-place finish, Eflin appeared to be a prime candidate for a midseason trade. Those plans were scuttled when he landed on the injured list with back problems just before the July trade deadline. The injury ultimately ended his season prematurely.

Under the terms of the new agreement, Eflin will receive $5 million for the 2026 season plus a $3 million signing bonus. The contract also includes performance escalators tied to his durability, with his potential earnings increasing based on the number of starts he makes. He’ll earn an additional $1 million for reaching 15 starts, $1.5 million for 20 starts, and $2.5 million for 25 starts.

The deal also contains a $25 million mutual option for 2027, which includes a $2 million buyout. That buyout figure could increase based on the same start thresholds. Given that mutual options are rarely exercised by both parties in MLB contracts, Eflin could potentially earn up to $15 million for his services in the upcoming season.

This signing represents just one piece of an aggressive offseason strategy by the Orioles following their disappointing 2025 campaign. The organization has been notably active in both free agency and the trade market, making several significant additions to bolster their roster for 2026.

On the free agent front, Baltimore landed two marquee names by signing slugging first baseman Pete Alonso and elite closer Ryan Helsley. Alonso brings a powerful bat to the middle of the Orioles lineup, while Helsley provides a dominant late-inning relief presence that the team sorely lacked last season.

The front office has been equally busy on the trade market, acquiring reliever Andrew Kittredge, outfielder Taylor Ward, and promising young right-hander Shane Baz in separate deals. These acquisitions address multiple areas of need for a team looking to quickly rebound from their basement finish.

For Eflin, this represents an opportunity to reestablish his value after injuries derailed what had been a promising start to his Orioles tenure. Prior to his back issues, he had demonstrated the ability to be a reliable mid-rotation starter, providing valuable innings and veteran leadership to a pitching staff.

The Orioles’ willingness to bring Eflin back despite his injury-shortened 2025 suggests the organization believes he can return to form and contribute meaningfully to their rotation. With the additional moves made this offseason, Baltimore has signaled its intent to compete immediately rather than undertake a lengthy rebuilding process.

As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on Eflin’s health status and whether he can recapture the effectiveness he showed during his initial stint with the club in 2024. For a team with renewed playoff aspirations, his performance could prove crucial to their chances in an increasingly competitive American League East division.