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 below contract by means of the 2025 season, along with his wage bumping from $11 million to $18 million. Earlier at the moment, CBS Sports activities recognized Eflin as one other Rays participant who could possibly 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 fashion 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’d be shocked if Eflin is on the Rays come Opening Day 2025. Think about how he stays a gradual, above-average starter at a time when {the marketplace} does not provide a lot of them, and the possibilities of him altering groups by August 1 appear higher than not.

Etzel, 22, was a Tenth-round choose 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 dwelling runs and 10 stolen bases.

Baumeister, 22, was one in every of Baltimore’s second-round choose in 2023 by way of 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 choose final summer time from UNC. In 71 video games at Excessive-A, he is batted .233/.328/.417 with 9 dwelling runs and 26 steals.