Zach Eflin's Resurfaced Quote Proves Prophetic as Right-Hander Re-Signs with Baltimore

Back in mid-August, when Zach Eflin was dealing with the back injury that would ultimately end his 2025 season, the veteran right-hander made his intentions crystal clear about his future with the Baltimore Orioles.

"Absolutely, I love this clubhouse," Eflin said at the time, and he made sure to share those feelings with everyone around him. "I've told pretty much everybody that we've had a conversation about that. I told them, I love this place. I'd love to be here."

Those words became reality on Sunday night when the Orioles announced they had re-signed Eflin to a one-year contract worth $10 million guaranteed with a mutual option for 2027.

The 2025 season was far from what Eflin or the Orioles had hoped for.

Eflin landed on the injured list three times due to a lat strain and back discomfort before undergoing a lumbar microdiscectomy in August that ended his season, and his struggles on the mound made it an even tougher year for a Baltimore team that finished 75-87 and in last place in the American League East.

When Eflin was on the mound, the results weren't pretty as he posted a 5.93 ERA across just 14 starts, but the Orioles clearly believe in the pitcher who posted a 2.60 ERA in nine starts after being acquired from the Rays in July 2024.

With Eflin back in the fold, the Orioles' rotation for 2026 is starting to come into focus.

The projected rotation features Trevor Rogers at the top after posting a 1.80 ERA across 18 starts in 2025, followed by Kyle Bradish, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, and recently acquired Shane Baz from the Rays.

Eflin is expected to slot in as the fourth starter, with Dean Kremer rounding out the rotation after throwing 31 starts with a 4.19 ERA in 2025, while Tyler Wells could provide additional depth.

The Orioles have been one of the most active teams this offseason.

Baltimore signed slugger Pete Alonso to a five-year, $155 million deal, brought in closer Ryan Helsley on a two-year, $28 million contract, and traded Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels for Taylor Ward.

For Eflin, this one-year contract represents an opportunity to rebuild his market value after the injury-plagued season limited him to just 71.1 innings pitched, and if he can return to form, he'll position himself for a more lucrative deal next offseason.

For the Orioles, bringing back Eflin at $10 million is a low-risk move that adds a veteran presence to a rotation that ranked 24th in the majors with a 4.60 ERA in 2025.

Eflin's August quote about loving the clubhouse wasn't just talk, and now he'll get the chance to prove last season was just a one-off incident.