BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles announced tonight, December 29, 2025, that they have reached an agreement with right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin on a one-year Major League contract for the 2026 season, which includes a mutual option for the 2027 campaign.
Eflin, 31, returns to Baltimore after serving as the club’s Opening Day starter in 2025. Last season, he appeared in 14 starts before being shut down for the year, posting a 6-5 record with a 5.93 ERA (47 ER/71.1 IP). He allowed 88 hits (including 18 home runs), 48 total runs, 13 walks, and recorded 50 strikeouts. The right-hander was limited by three separate stints on the injured list and did not pitch after July 28.
Eflin showed early promise in 2025, registering a 3.00 ERA (6 ER/18.0 IP) across his first three starts before his initial IL placement. Through his first nine outings (ending June 11), he held a 4.08 ERA (24 ER/53.0 IP).
The Orlando, Florida native originally joined the Orioles midseason in 2024, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for three minor league players on July 26, 2024. In 23 career starts with Baltimore, Eflin is 11-7 with a 4.48 ERA (63 ER/126.1 IP). Across his 10-year Major League career with the Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, and Orioles, he owns a 68-67 record with a 4.28 ERA (511 ER/1,073.2 IP) in 200 appearances (188 starts).
Eflin has consistently demonstrated elite command throughout his tenure in the majors. Since making his MLB debut in 2016, his 4.9% walk rate ranks third-best among all pitchers (minimum 900.0 innings pitched), trailing only Miles Mikolas (4.4%) and Zack Greinke (4.8%).
Originally selected by the San Diego Padres in the supplemental first round (33rd overall) of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft out of Paul J. Hagerty High School in Oviedo, Florida, Eflin has established himself as a durable, low-walk starter capable of providing stability to a rotation.
To clear space on the 40-man roster for Eflin’s addition, the Orioles have designated outfielder Will Robertson for assignment. The club’s 40-man roster now stands at 40 players.
