The Baltimore Orioles are bringing back right-hander Zach Eflin on a $10 million, one-year contract.<\/p>\n
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<\/a> with back trouble, and he was eventually ruled out for the season.<\/p>\n After becoming a free agent, the 31-year-old Eflin is returning to the Orioles. He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Additionally, Eflin\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Baltimore has been active after a disappointing 2025 season, signing slugger Pete Alonso<\/a> and reliever Ryan Helsley<\/a> and trading for reliever Andrew Kittredge, outfielder Taylor Ward<\/a> and right-hander Shane Baz<\/a>.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n