Source: Eflin returning to Orioles on one-year deal (updated)

The Orioles are bringing back one of their free agents, striking a deal with starter Zach Eflin a few days before 2025 runs out.

Eflin has agreed to a one-year major league contract that includes a mutual option for 2027, according to a source. Eflin will be paid $10 million this season.

President of baseball operations/general manager Mike Elias sought to improve the rotation’s depth and reached out to Eflin, who is recovering from August back surgery.

Eflin underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy procedure to alleviate persistent lower-back pain and was expected to be sidelined four to eight months. He made only 14 starts last season and had three stints on the injured list, the first related to a right lat strain. The veteran right-hander finished with a 5.93 ERA and 1.416 WHIP, with his final appearance on July 28.

“I think, for me personally, it’s been disappointing, depressing,” Eflin, the Opening Day starter, said prior to his surgery. “I’ve just tried to throw a baseball and I wasn’t necessarily comfortable all the time, and that’s not a really good place to be. It’s something I look back and I don’t like thinking back on it, because I didn’t necessarily feel good at times when I threw, but I also didn’t pitch well at the same time.

“I feel like I owed this team a lot more than I gave them. But at the end of the day, I’ve got to take care of my back, I’ve got to get something done, I’ve got to get it healthy again and show up next year ready to go.”

Eflin indicated that he wanted to keep pitching for the Orioles, who acquired him from the Rays at the 2024 trade deadline.

“Absolutely, absolutely,” he said. “I love this clubhouse. I’ve told pretty much everybody that we’ve had a conversation about that, I’ve told them I love this place, I’d love to be here. We’re going to get the operation done and kind of see where that takes us.”

Interim manager Tony Mansolino referred to Eflin, 31, as an “incredible teammate, incredible guy to have around.” His leadership is a valuable component. 

Eflin has registered a 4.28 ERA in 10 major league seasons. He had a 2.60 ERA in nine outings with the Orioles in 2024 and started Game 2 of the Wild Card series against the Royals.

In question is whether Eflin can be an immediate contributor this season.

The broad recovery timeline didn’t provide any assurances, but the fact that he’s got a new contract hints at a positive rehab and possibility that he's ready for Opening Day. Otherwise, the Orioles will have to wait.

Eflin could slot at the back end of a rotation that added Shane Baz in a trade with the Rays. Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers are the current No. 1 and 2 starters, perhaps with Baz third and Dean Kremer fourth.

The Orioles were aiming high in free agent negotiations, with reported interest in Framber Valdez and Ranger Suárez. Elias might not be done with his search.

Tyler Wells could be bumped to the bullpen again. Other starter candidates include Cade Povich and Brandon Young.

The 40-man roster is full and a corresponding move is pending after Eflin’s deal is announced.

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale first reported the Eflin signing, and MLB Network’s Jon Heyman had the salary.

Update: The Orioles announced the signing and they designated outfielder Will Robertson for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.