Long-time veteran pitcher Zach Eflin is a free agent for the second consecutive offseason after the Baltimore Orioles declined their side of a mutual option on his 2027 contract, according to the MLB transaction log.
On Friday, October 30, 2026, the Orioles formally declined the $25 million mutual option, triggering a $2 million buyout and returning the 32-year-old to the open market.
Transaction records also noted his removal from the 60-day injured list. The move was widely expected, as mutual options are rarely exercised by both sides.
Eflin had re-signed with Baltimore on December 28, 2025, on a one-year deal with a $10 million guarantee ($3 million signing bonus plus $5 million salary), plus the $25 million mutual option or $2 million buyout for 2027.
The structure effectively deferred part of the payment while giving the club flexibility. Incentives that could have increased the buyout based on starts made never came into play.
His 2026 season ended almost immediately. On March 31, Eflin exited his season debut against the Texas Rangers after 3⅔ innings (seven strikeouts, one run) with right elbow discomfort.
He underwent Tommy John surgery on April 8—his 32nd birthday—performed by Dr. Keith Meister, and spent the remainder of the year on the 60-day injured list.
It marked another injury-plagued campaign after a 2025 season in which he went 6-5 with a 5.93 ERA in 14 starts, limited by lat and back issues that culminated in lumbar surgery.
Eflin, originally acquired by the Orioles from the Tampa Bay Rays at the 2024 trade deadline, had previously expressed a desire to remain in Baltimore.
He spent time around the club during his 2026 rehab and indicated openness to a return.
A reunion remains possible as the Orioles seek rotation depth—particularly with other free agents such as Trevor Rogers, Chris Bassitt, Andrew Kittredge, and Keegan Akin also hitting the market—though Eflin’s recovery timeline means he is unlikely to be available at the start of 2027.
Typical Tommy John recovery ranges from 12 to 18 months.
For his career, the 11-year veteran has compiled a 68-67 record and 4.28 ERA across stints with the Philadelphia Phillies, Rays, and Orioles.
At age 32 (turning 33 in April), coming off limited recent innings and major surgery, his market is expected to feature lower guarantees with performance incentives rather than a long-term commitment.
The decision is part of Baltimore’s broader early offseason activity, which has also included Ryan Helsley exercising his player option and a new deal for outfielder Rece Hinds.
With new general manager Jared Banner in place, the Orioles continue evaluating their pitching needs heading into 2027.
