Orioles Re-Sign Zach Eflin to $10 Million Deal

The Baltimore Orioles have re-signed starting pitcher Zach Eflin to a one-year contract worth $10 million, bolstering their rotation ahead of the 2026 season. The 31-year-old right-hander, who joined the team midway through 2024, returns after a challenging injury-riddled year that limited his contributions.

Eflin's deal includes a $5 million salary for 2026, a $3 million signing bonus, and a mutual option for 2027 valued at $25 million, with a $2 million buyout. The agreement features performance escalators tied to the number of starts he makes next season: an additional $1 million for 15 starts, $1.5 million for 20, and $2.5 million for 25. These incentives could push his total earnings to as much as $15 million for the year, though mutual options are rarely exercised.

Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in July 2024, Eflin initially impressed in Baltimore, posting a 2.60 ERA over 55.1 innings to close out that season. He earned the Opening Day start in 2025 and won his first five decisions with the Orioles, a feat achieved by only one other pitcher in franchise history. However, injuries derailed his campaign. Limited to 14 starts across 71.1 innings, Eflin finished with a 6-5...