Injured Orioles starter could be perfect SF Giants target in offseason
The SF Giants are likely going to try and upgrade their starting rotation this offseason. They are currently facing the Baltimore Orioles and a pitcher on the IL for Baltimore, Zach Eflin, could be a perfect fit in free agency.
MLB.com identified Eflin as the biggest impending free agent for Baltimore heading into this offseason. The 31-year-old has had a rough 2025 campaign, but that could make him the perfect candidate to have a bounce back season in 2026.
SF Giants should take a look at Orioles’ Zach Eflin in offseason
In 14 starts for the Orioles this season, Eflin has a 5.93 ERA in 71 and 1/3 innings pitched. He has 50 strikeouts compared to 13 walks and a WHIP of 1.42. These are not the prettiest numbers but a nagging injury likely had something to do with the struggles.
Eflin had been dealing with a back injury for some time that really reared its ugly head in 2025. He underwent back surgery to address the issue and the hope is he will be ready for the start of spring training next year. The question is what team will he be pitching for at that time?
The Florida native’s strong numbers in 2023 and 2024 are sure to pique the interest of many teams. In 2023 with the Tampa Bay Rays he pitched to a 3.50 ERA in 31 starts and 177 and 2/3 innings. He followed that up in 2024, spending time with both the Rays and the Orioles, by posting a 3.59 ERA in 28 starts. Any team that signs him will be betting that they are getting that version of Eflin.
The Giants would really benefit from having one more proven starter in their rotation. As of right now, the only starters they can project to have in 2026 are Logan Webb, Robbie Ray, and Landen Roupp. Justin Verlander will almost certainly depart in the offseason and while their younger arms have shown promise at times, none of them have been consistent enough to prove they belong in the rotation.
If the Giants were to sign Eflin that would give them four starters they are comfortable with and then spring training could serve as a competition between the young guys like Carson Whisenhunt, Carson Seymour, Blade Tidwell, and others for the fifth spot in the rotation.
Eflin is not the only injured Oriole San Francisco could look to add this offseason, but if they think he could have a rebound season in 2026 then he would be a worthwhile investment to stabilize the rotation.
