The Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to a commerce involving right-handed starter Zach Eflin, the groups introduced Friday. In return, the Rays will obtain three prospects: outfielder Matthew Etzel, right-handed pitcher Jackson Baumeister, and utility participant Mac Horvath.

Eflin, 30, has amassed a 4.09 ERA (95 ERA+) and a 6.69 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 19 begins this season. He is underneath contract via the 2025 season, along with his wage bumping from $11 million to $18 million. Earlier in the present day, CBS Sports activities recognized Eflin as one other Rays participant who might be on the transfer following Tampa Bay’s commerce of Randy Arozarena to the Seattle Mariners. (You may learn our  full evaluation of the Arozarena commerce by clicking right here.)

The Rays structured Eflin’s contract in a way that made it clear they considered his three-year deal as a two-year association for his or her functions. After making $22 million mixed in 2023-24, he’ll make $18 million in 2025. Barring an ill-timed damage, we might be shocked if Eflin is on the Rays come Opening Day 2025. Think about how he stays a gentle, above-average starter at a time when {the marketplace} does not supply lots of them, and the possibilities of him altering groups by August 1 appear higher than not.

Etzel, 22, was a Tenth-round decide by the Orioles in 2023 from Southern Miss who has already reached Double-A. In 32 video games, he is batted .261/.339/.391 with two house runs and 10 stolen bases.

Baumeister, 22, was considered one of Baltimore’s second-round decide in 2023 through Florida State. Throughout 18 begins in Excessive-A this season, he is compiled a 3.06 ERA and a 2.12 strikeout-to-walk ratio. 

Horvath, 23, was additionally a second-round decide final summer season from UNC. In 71 video games at Excessive-A, he is batted .233/.328/.417 with 9 house runs and 26 steals.