Baltimore Orioles Decline Option On Starting Pitcher, Sign Outfielder

On Friday afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles made a pair of transactions which brought an outfielder to their roster and let go of a starting pitcher.

The Orioles announced they have declined the 2027 mutual option on starting pitcher Zach Eflin, making him a free agent. The team also signed outfielder Rece Hinds to a one-year major league contract for the 2027 season.

The decision on Eflin is not exactly a surprise, as it's been over a decade since a mutual option has been picked up by both sides. However, it may put an end to his tenure with the Orioles.

Prior to the 2026 season, Eflin signed a one-year deal with the Orioles that had a guarantee of $10 million. His contract included a $3 million signing bonus, a $5 million salary, and a $2 million buyout on a $25 million mutual option, meaning that the mutual option was not intended to be picked up given its high price tag. 

Heading into 2027, Eflin’s presence on the mound is not a guarantee. The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in April, which will sideline him for most of the upcoming season. With that being the case, he will likely have to sign a deal for a lower guarantee than most contracts. 

Over most of the past decade, Eflin has been a consistently productive starter for a number of teams. From 2018-2024, he logged over 800 innings and combined to post a 3.92 ERA in that span. However, he has been injury prone in his career, and that played a factor in his 2025 season, in which he struggled.

In 2025, Eflin made 14 starts with a 5.93 ERA and eventually had his season come to an end early due to a back surgery. He appeared to be healthy going into 2026 until right elbow discomfort sidelined him after his first start of the season, which led to the surgery that held him out for the rest of the year. Eflin could still see a return to the Orioles next season if he fits the team’s payroll as a potential midseason addition.

On the other hand, the Orioles’ decision to sign Hinds is a rather questionable one. 

The 26-year-old outfielder played in just 12 games with the Orioles in 2026, as he owned a .179 batting average to pair with a .523 OPS. However, there is one unfavorable factor to him — he does not have any minor league options remaining. 

Hinds started the 2026 season with the Cincinnati Reds, who traded him to the Miami Marlins in May. The Marlins traded Hinds to the Orioles in August. 

In 152 career at-bats over the three seasons in his career, Hinds has posted a .171 batting average and an OPS of .617.