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

By: Noah Trister, The Associated Press Posted: 9:44 PM CST Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025 Last Modified: 8:54 AM CST Monday, Dec. 29, 2025

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The Baltimore Orioles are bringing back right-hander Zach Eflin on a $10 million, one-year contract.

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The Baltimore Orioles are bringing back right-hander Zach Eflin on a $10 million, one-year contract.

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The Baltimore Orioles are bringing back right-hander Zach Eflin on a $10 million, one-year contract.

The Orioles acquired Eflin in a trade from Tampa Bay during the 2024 season, and he pitched well down the stretch that year, but he went 6-5 with a 5.93 ERA during an injury-plagued 2025. With the Orioles on their way to a last-place finish, Eflin seemed like a candidate to be traded in July, but just before the deadline he went on the injured list with back trouble, and he was eventually ruled out for the season.

After becoming a free agent, the 31-year-old Eflin is returning to the Orioles. He’s set to receive $5 million in 2026, plus a $3 million signing bonus. His deal also includes a $25 million mutual option for 2027 or a $2 million buyout.

FILE - Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin delivers during the third inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Monday, July 28, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, File)

Additionally, Eflin’s option price and his buyout would each escalate depending on how many starts he makes this coming season: $1 million for 15 starts, $1.5 million for 20 and $2.5 million for 25. Since mutual options are almost never exercised, he could earn up to $15 million for one season.

Baltimore has been active after a disappointing 2025 season, signing slugger Pete Alonso and reliever Ryan Helsley and trading for reliever Andrew Kittredge, outfielder Taylor Ward and right-hander Shane Baz.

Outfielder Will Robertson was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.

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AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.