"This means no Framber Diaz"; "Rotation just got nasty" - Fans split as Orioles land Zach Eflin on $10M, 1-year deal

The Baltimore Orioles have reportedly agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal to land starting pitcher Zach Eflin. The deal also includes a mutual option for the 2027 season.

Eflin struggled in 2025 due to injuries and poor outings. In 14 starts, he posted a dismal 5.93 ERA and missed the latter half of the season due to back surgery. Despite those setbacks, the Orioles have bolstered their rotation by bringing back one of their own.

The signing also means that the Orioles may no longer pursue free agent starting pitcher Framber Valdez. One fan reacted:

"this means no framber."

Meanwhile, one fan is convinced that this addition makes the Orioles better:

"Love this pickup!!! Very high upside without a huge commitment. If we get an ace, I am loving this rotation." "O's not playing around. That rotation just got nasty," one fan added. "Good move @MElias now Kyle Tucker," one fan noted. "Great depth pickup for the Orioles," one fan wrote. "Eflin is back in the fold,they got the polar bear and Baz," one fan added. "The AL East is officially a problem next season."

To make room for Eflin on the 40-man active roster, the Orioles designated outfielder Will Robertson for assignment.

How does Orioles rotation look like after Zach Eflin's addition?

One of the biggest problems for the Orioles in the 2025 season was starting pitching. This offseason, they have addressed the problems by adding Shane Baz in a trade that sent prospects Caden Bodine, Slater de Brun, Austin Overn, Michael Forret, and a draft pick to the Tampa Bay Rays. In 31 starts last season, Baz posted a 4.87 ERA with 176 strikeouts across 166.1 innings pitched.

Kyle Bradish is returning from Tommy John surgery and he is expected to anchor the rotation in 2026. Trevor Rogers was one of the few reliable arms that the Orioles had in their rotation. In 18 starts, he posted a 1.80 ERA while going 9-3, including one complete game performance.

Dean Kremer was a workhorse for the Orioles, throwing 31 starts for a 4.19 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. Zach Eflin was not available for most of the second half of the season.

While the rotation doesn't strike big names, if they are healthy and have their way out there, they can really make a run for the postseason next year.

Edited by Krutik Jain