All eyes were on the AL East leaders, the Baltimore Orioles, this trade season.
With a treasure trove of talent, a decimated pitching staff and looking to make some postseason noise, the Orioles were in the spotlight to make a move.
With the trade deadline approaching, threading the needle has already begun. After moving on from Austin Hays for right-hander Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache, the Orioles weren’t ready to pull off the gas.
According to multiple sources, first reported by the Athletic, the Orioles have acquired right-hander Zach Elfin from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor league outfielder Matthew Etzel, right-hander Jackson Baumeister and super utility man Mac Horvath.
The Orioles are receiving a veteran in Eflin who will be under contract in 2025 as well, earning $11 million this season and $18 million next. Tampa Bay is sending cash in the deal as well.
Eflin has started 19 games this season, compiling a 5-7 record with six quality starts. He has a 4.09 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP across 110 innings pitched, with 87 strikeouts and only 13 walks.
Eflin slots in as a strong number three pitcher behind All-Star and Cy Young hopeful Corbin Burnes and second-year phenom Grayson Rodriguez. The 30-year-old provides leadership and postseason experience after being a first-round draft choice in 2012.
Eflin is 57-60 across 177 games, with 165 starts for the Phillies and the Rays. He has a career ERA of 4.26 across 947 innings and has held opponents to a career average of .262 with a WHIP of 1.23 while striking out 825 batters.
Horvath was the O’s No. 10 prospect, while Baumeister was ranked 17th, according to MLB Pipeline.
To make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Vinny Nittoli has been designated for assignment.
We would like to welcome Zach Eflin to Baltimore and look forward to his help in the march towards the postseason.
What do you think of this deal? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter (X) and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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