Orioles Strengthen Pitching Rotation with Eflin Trade

BALTIMORE — In a move to reinforce their pitching lineup, the Baltimore Orioles have made a significant trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, acquiring right-hander Zach Eflin. This decision comes on the heels of losing three pitchers, Kyle Bradish, John Means, and Tyler Wells, to season-ending surgeries.

With Eflin joining the ranks of Corbin Burnes and Grayson Rodriguez, the O’s hope to bounce back from their recent pitching woes. Eflin has already proven his worth this season with a respectable 4.09 ERA across 19 starts.

Eflin’s career stats are quite impressive, with a 4.26 ERA over nine seasons, notably his last season with the Rays where he finished sixth in Cy Young Award voting with a career-best 3.50 ERA. His addition isn’t just a short-term fix; he’s signed through 2025, providing stability as the Orioles look to the future.

In exchange, the Rays received a trio of prospects: infielder/outfielder Mac Horvath, right-handed pitcher Jackson Baumeister, and outfielder Matthew Etzel. Despite losing some promising talent, Baltimore managed to avoid parting ways with any of its top nine prospects.

Eflin’s move to Baltimore also means the Orioles won’t have to face him again, as he has historically performed well against them, sporting a 3.00 ERA and a 0.76 WHIP in his five career starts against the team.

This trade marks the second transaction for the Orioles that day, as they also acquired relief pitcher Seranthony Domínguez and center fielder Cristian Pache from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for an outfielder.

With the trade deadline approaching, the Orioles may not be finished making moves. Their current ranking, tied for the best record in the American League with Cleveland, puts them in a prime position to consider further additions, especially in pitching.