of Baltimore Orioles Got right-handed Zach Eflin from Tampa Bay Rays On Friday, the team agreed to an intradistrict trade that will bolster its most glaring need: the starting rotation.
Eflin was considered one of the best pitchers available before the July 30 deadline, and the Orioles, who have the best record in the American League (tied with Cleveland at 61-41), set their sights on Eflin for a big fee as a top-tier left-handed pitcher. Tarik Skubal and Garret Crochet.
In return, the Rays acquired outfielder Matthew Etzel, super utility man Mack Holbert and right-handed pitcher Jackson Baumeister.
Eflin, 30, has been a mainstay in the Rays’ starting rotation since signing a three-year, $40 million free-agent contract with the team ahead of the 2023 season. With Eflin’s salary set to jump to $18 million next year and multiple starting pitchers returning from injuries, the Rays made it clear to teams that Eflin was available on the deal.
Baltimore loses starter Kyle Bradish, John Means and Tyler Wells The Orioles, who had Tommy John surgery this season, jumped at the opportunity, acquiring the right-handed relief pitcher in a trade with Philadelphia on Friday. Serantony Dominguez Centre fielder Cristian Pace For outfielders Austin Hayes.
Eflin has a 4.09 ERA in 110 innings across 19 starts this season. His 1.06 walks per nine innings is the Seattle George KirbyEflin’s strikeout numbers have dropped significantly this season, from 9.4 to 7.1 per nine innings, and he spent time on the 15-day disabled list in May and June with back inflammation.
To acquire Eflin, the Orioles tapped into their deep farm system, and Eflin’s high salary meant the Orioles were unwilling to send any top prospects to Tampa Bay. Randy Arozarena Traveling to Seattle on Thursday, Tampa Bay received a ton of return items.
Etzel, 22, is perhaps the best of this group. A 2023 10th-round pick out of Southern Miss, he has played all three outfield positions and is batting .289/.363/.445 at High-A and Double-A this season.
The 23-year-old Holbert was drafted by the University of Baltimore in the second round last year after three seasons at the University of North Carolina. He is batting .233/.328/.417 with nine home runs and 26 of 27 stolen bases while playing second base, third base, center field and right field at High-A this year.
Like Holbert, the 22-year-old Baumeister is a potential second-round draft pick in 2023 and can throw a fastball in the mid- to upper-90s. Though he’s struggled with control in High-A, Baumeister has posted a 3.06 ERA with 91 strikeouts in 70.2 innings across 18 starts.
The Orioles could make another move before the deadline, according to sources. They have discussed a trade for a first baseman. Ryan Mountcastle Or center fielder Cedric MullinsDetroit would likely jump at the opportunity to acquire a front-line starter like Skubal, who has indicated he is reluctant to be traded, or Crochet, who is scheduled to be rested at the end of the regular season following his first year back from Tommy John surgery unless a contract extension is offered.
