Orioles Designate Will Robertson For Assignment: DFA Update

The Baltimore Orioles made a roster move that mixes short-term pitching stability with the realities of managing a crowded roster. By designating outfielder Will Robertson for assignment, the club cleared space on its 40-man roster to finalize the return of veteran right-hander Zach Eflin on a one-year, $10 million contract.

This decision highlights the Orioles’ current priorities as they balance development, depth, and their push to stay competitive.

Orioles Clear Roster Space to Bring Back Zach Eflin

The big news here is Zach Eflin’s return. He’s a proven major-league starter, and the deal only became official once the Orioles made room for him.

Baltimore’s front office keeps showing that pitching depth—especially from reliable veterans—isn’t up for debate as the club targets another postseason run.

Eflin’s one-year, $10 million contract signals both his value and the Orioles’ belief in what he brings to the rotation. To make it work, someone had to come off the 40-man roster, and that ended up being Will Robertson.

Why Zach Eflin Was the Priority

Eflin brings experience, consistency, and a familiarity with the organization. Baltimore values those traits as it mixes young arms with veterans in the rotation.

In tight playoff races, stability sometimes matters more than upside. Eflin fits that bill.

Will Robertson’s Winding Path Through Multiple Organizations

Robertson’s designation for assignment closes out a brief but eventful stint with the Orioles. The club claimed him off the Pirates’ waiver wire less than a month ago, and he’d already bounced around Major League Baseball.

The Blue Jays drafted him in the fourth round in 2019. Robertson spent his early pro career in Toronto’s system and made his major-league debut there.

The White Sox picked him up in July for cash, claimed him again in October, and he eventually landed with the Pirates before Baltimore got him.

Major-League Struggles Mask Minor-League Success

At the big-league level, Robertson hasn’t found his footing yet. Over his first 75 plate appearances with Toronto and Chicago, he posted a .129/.173/.143 slash line with just one extra-base hit.

Those numbers made it tough for teams to keep him on a crowded roster.

Triple-A tells a different story. Robertson was one of the more productive outfielders there in 2024, hitting .289/.387/.571 with a nice blend of power and patience.

He also cut down on strikeouts and picked up some experience in center field, which helped keep him in the mix as a depth option.

What Comes Next for Robertson and the Orioles

Robertson plays mostly in the corners, but his defensive versatility adds value—especially for teams hunting for depth without needing an everyday starter. He still has two minor-league option years left and has never been outrighted.

If he clears waivers, he’d have to accept an outright assignment to Baltimore’s Triple-A affiliate. There, he could keep showing off the improvements that sparked new interest in his bat. Another team might take a shot on him if they believe his recent minor-league surge is for real.

A Reflection of Baltimore’s Roster Philosophy

This move shows just how tough things get for teams chasing a title. The Orioles went with pitching certainty instead of taking a gamble on more offense.

It feels pragmatic, not just analytical. Robertson’s minor league stats hint at unfinished business, but Baltimore knew what it needed right now.

For the Orioles, the message seems straightforward: they value depth and experience on the mound above all. For Will Robertson, it’s another twist in a career marked by resilience and chasing that elusive spot in the majors.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Orioles Designate Will Robertson For Assignment