Orioles expected to still add another starter after making $10 million decision

Orioles Still Expected to Pursue Additional Pitching Despite Zach Eflin Signing

The Baltimore Orioles addressed an important offseason need by signing Zach Eflin, but their work on the pitching staff may not be finished. Even after bringing Eflin into the fold, there remains a growing expectation around the league that Baltimore will continue to explore options for additional starting pitching before the season begins.

While Eflin provides experience and depth, the move appears more like a calculated gamble than a definitive solution. The Orioles have improved their rotation on paper, but questions surrounding durability and reliability suggest another arm could still be on the way.

According to CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa, Baltimore remains a team to watch in the pitching market, largely due to Eflin’s recent injury history.

“Back trouble and a lat strain limited Eflin, 31, to 14 mostly ineffective starts in 2025,” Axisa wrote. “He was a rock-solid mid-rotation starter from 2023–24, however, one with a knack for limiting walks and hard contact. Nabbing him for one year and $10 million guaranteed is a nice roll of the dice for an O’s team that could still use another starter, but is much improved this offseason.”

That assessment captures the reality of the move. At his best, Eflin has proven capable of stabilizing a rotation, particularly as a mid-rotation arm who throws strikes and avoids free passes. Those traits are valuable, especially for a team aiming to contend. At the same time, the Orioles are well aware that recent production and availability raise legitimate concerns.

A Low-Risk Bet — But Not a Rotation Anchor

From a financial standpoint, the signing makes sense. A one-year, $10 million deal represents limited risk for a club with postseason aspirations. If Eflin rebounds to form, the Orioles get strong value. If injuries or inconsistency persist, the commitment does not cripple long-term flexibility.

That said, Eflin is no longer the pitcher he once was. While there’s a path to improvement, expecting him to perform like a top-of-the-rotation arm would be unrealistic. He is not an ace, and at this stage of his career, he may never be one again.

The Orioles don’t necessarily need a true ace to succeed. What they do need is dependability—a starter who can take the ball regularly, give them innings, and keep games competitive. That’s where uncertainty enters the picture.

Durability Remains the Biggest Question

Eflin appeared in just 14 games last season, finishing with a 5.93 ERA. Injuries clearly played a role, and it’s fair to believe his performance was impacted by physical limitations. Still, availability matters just as much as upside, especially for a team with playoff expectations.

Baltimore cannot afford to enter the season relying heavily on a pitcher with recent durability issues unless there is sufficient depth behind him. Over the course of a long season, injuries are inevitable, and teams without rotation depth often feel the effects most sharply in the second half.

Why Another Starter Still Makes Sense

Given those realities, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Orioles add another starter—someone who may not be flashy, but who provides insurance. Whether through free agency, a short-term deal, or a depth trade, Baltimore appears positioned to keep looking.

The front office has already shown a willingness to be proactive this offseason. Adding Eflin improved the rotation, but it didn’t eliminate every question mark. One more reliable arm could go a long way toward stabilizing the staff and protecting against setbacks.

In short, the Orioles made a smart move by signing Zach Eflin. It was affordable, sensible, and potentially rewarding. But if Baltimore truly wants to position itself for a deep run, pitching depth remains a priority—and the expectation around the league is that they aren’t done yet.