Orioles Re-Sign Zach Eflin: What It Means For Rotation

This article breaks down why the Baltimore Orioles brought back veteran right-hander Zach Eflin on a short-term deal. It digs into the financial details, medical context, rotation impact, and what this move might say about the club’s broader roster plans for 2026.

Orioles Bring Back Zach Eflin on One-Year Deal

The Orioles decided to stick with what they know, re-signing Zach Eflin to a one-year, $10 million contract. There’s a mutual option for 2027, too.

To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, they designated outfielder Will Robertson for assignment. That move shows Baltimore is serious about shoring up its pitching depth, even if it means some tough choices elsewhere.

Sure, the $10 million headline looks straightforward, but the contract’s structure tells a more layered story about Eflin’s health and the front office’s thinking.

Contract Structure and Incentives Explained

Eflin’s deal pays a $5 million base salary and a $3 million signing bonus. There’s also a $2 million buyout tied to that mutual option for 2027.

The buyout can jump up with performance escalators:

If everything breaks right, the buyout could hit $7 million. But let’s be honest—mutual options almost never get picked up by both sides. This is basically a one-year contract with some upside for Eflin if he stays healthy and productive.

Health Concerns and Optimism for 2026

The biggest question with Eflin is whether his body holds up. He’s 32 and had back surgery in August, which usually means four to eight months of recovery.

Baltimore moved quickly to finalize the deal, so the front office must feel pretty good about where his rehab stands. They seem to think Eflin can ramp up in spring training and maybe even pitch early in the season.

Where Eflin Fits in the Rotation

If Eflin’s healthy, he probably slots in as the fourth or fifth starter. The current rotation includes Trevor Rogers, Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer, and Shane Baz, who’s new to the team.

There’s extra depth, too, with Tyler Wells, Albert Suarez, and some upper-minors arms who could step in as needed.

Evaluating Eflin’s Recent Performance

In 2025, injuries limited Eflin to just 14 starts and 71 1/3 innings. The numbers weren’t pretty—he had a 5.93 ERA and a 16.2% strikeout rate.

Dig a little deeper, though, and the picture gets less grim. He posted a strong 4.2% walk rate and a 4.49 SIERA, which suggests he was better than his ERA, especially considering what he was dealing with physically.

A Look at His Stronger Years

Earlier, during his stints with the Orioles and Rays, Eflin showed durability and efficiency. In Tampa Bay, he threw:

Over those two seasons, he put up a combined 3.54 ERA and showed excellent control. His strikeout rate dropped from 2023 to 2024, but he still ate innings—exactly what Baltimore hopes he can do again.

Payroll Impact and What Comes Next

The signing bumps Baltimore’s projected 2026 payroll to around $147.3 million. There’s still plenty of space left, so the Orioles could chase more starting pitching or maybe another upgrade.

They already brought in Pete Alonso and Shane Baz. This move feels like part of a bigger plan—adding steady, experienced players to a core that’s already pretty competitive.

Eflin gets a shot to rebuild his value. Baltimore’s hoping stability might grow out of a little uncertainty here.

 
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