It’s hard to believe that the Baltimore Orioles made the playoffs last season with their present record. The O’s are having a tough ride into the 2025 season. Injuries have cost the team, and a mediocre offseason has made things worse.
Baltimore is four games behind the .500 mark with a 9-13 record. They are currently sitting in the fourth spot in the competitive AL East division. Several players, including Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday, are experiencing a slow start. That said, they might want to shake things up for a stronger roster.
The pitching rotation is injured, with some of their star pitchers on the IL. Grayson Rodriguez, Trevor Rogers, Cody Poteet, and Kyle Bradish are yet to return. To make matters worse, Zach Eflin recently joined the list. While Eflin is poised to return soon, the Orioles might have plans to place him on the trade block.
Zach Eflin is making his first start as an Oriole pic.twitter.com/1ia653MazH
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 29, 2024
Eflin will soon be on the unrestricted free agent list after the 2025 season. The O’s signed Eflin for $40 million in 2023, and retaining the pitcher after a rough year will be a huge challenge. Baltimore needs starting pitchers, but trading Eflin before he hits the free agent market will give them an upper hand. The franchise may as well part ways with the pitcher instead of losing it all.
Zach Elfin Could Open Doors For Other Prospects With The Orioles
Eflin is currently on the IL with a low-grade lat strain. While he’s trying to get back on the mound, there’s no guarantee that the team will retain him. On the other hand, Rodriguez and Bradish’s return will fill their starting rotation.
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While these are just rumors, it’s hard to dismiss the fact that the Orioles would have considered this option. Eflin started out well this season with a 2-1 record and a 3.00 ERA. His 2024 stint was not too bad after he finished the regular season with a 10-9 record and a 3.59 ERA.
Parting ways with Eflin will give the team more room to bring in other prospects. They might be able to shake things up and add more relievers if necessary. The Orioles are ranked at No. 20 on Week 4 MLB power rankings and hope to improve their record. For now, Eflin will continue to pitch after his return.
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