ORIOLES ACQUIRE EFLIN
The Baltimore Orioles acquired pitcher Zach Eflin and cash considerations from the Tampa Bay Rays for pitcher Jackson Baumeister, outfielder Matthew Etzel and infielder/outfielder Mac Horvath.
What does it give the Baltimore Orioles
After addressing the bullpen earlier in the day with the addition of right-hander Seranthony Dominguez (who was teammates with Eflin in Philadelphia), the Orioles bring in Eflin to help fortify the rotation. He has not been as effective this season as he was in 2023 (when he finished sixth in AL Cy Young voting), but he should provide a major upgrade to a rotation that has lost three starters to injury so far this campaign (Kyle Bradish; John Means and Tyler Wells). Eflin's postseason experience is a bonus for a young team looking to make a deep playoff run later this season. The cash sent to Baltimore is reportedly to cover Eflin's trade bonus.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
Eflin is the second big name the Rays have moved today. In return, the Rays received three prospects drafted in 2023. Baumeister has been pitching in high Single-A ball this season. He has a 3.06 ERA with 91 Ks in 70.2 innings. He projects to be a starter. Etzel has been playing in Double-A ball. The outfielder seems to have a nice contact/speed combo (he is hitting .289 with 42 SB). Horvath was a teammate of Baumeister's at high Single-A. He has filled the stat sheet with nine homers, 41 RBI and 26 steals in 71 games. He can play multiple positions, something the Rays value. All three have some development ahead of them.
Fantasy impact
Being familiar with the AL East division should erase any concerns about Eflin pitching for the Orioles. He is a classic middle-of-the-rotation starter who has been pitching closer to his career norms this season (after a career year in 2023). Expect more of the same for the rest of 2024. The three new Rays prospects do offer some intrigue, especially in a system known for developing talent. With that being said, it is unlikely that any of the three offer fantasy value over the next couple of seasons.
