The Baltimore Orioles continue to profit from their elite farm system, as they're able to make win-now moves while still building for the future. The Tampa Bay Rays are one of many mediocre teams that could use more prospect depth, which is why the two teams made a deal centering around right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin on Friday.
The Orioles traded three prospects to the Rays for Eflin, via ESPN's Jeff Passan.
“Trade news: The Baltimore Orioles are acquiring right-handed starter Zach Eflin from the Tampa Bay Rays, sources tell ESPN,” Passan reported.” Tampa Bay will receive three minor leaguers in return for one of the top starters available. @Ken_Rosenthal
was on the news.”
Passan later specified the prospects, via his social media.
“Full trade, per ESPN sources: Baltimore Orioles receive: right-handed starter Zach Eflin,” he continued. “Tampa Bay Rays receive: outfielder Matthew Etzel, right-handed pitcher Jackson Baumeister and superutilityman Mac Horvath.”
Baltimore then DFA'd a relief pitcher to make room for Eflin, via MASN's Roch Kubatko.
“#orioles need to make 40-man space,” Kubatko reported. “Hearing that reliever Vinny Nittoli was designated for assignment.”
Eflin has turned in a 5-7 record with a 4.09 ERA and 1.16 WHIP across 19 starts this year. The 30-year-old joins an Orioles pitching staff that ranks eighth in the league with a 3.73 ERA.
Horvath was Baltimore's 10th-ranked prospect and is projected to be MLB-ready by 2026, via MLB.com. Meanwhile, Baumeister is ranked 17th and is also projected to be called up in two years. Etzel ranks outside the top 30.
Was this deal worth it for both sides?
Zach Eflin is worth it for the Orioles given their farm system
Eflin isn't an ace, but he can provide Baltimore with a steady hand on the mound as the club tries to secure the AL East division title. The former Philadelphia Phillie has just 13 walks allowed all season, good for a 6.7 strikeout-to-walk ratio. This will be especially valuable in the playoffs when allowing baserunners can cripple a team's chances of winning it all.
Additionally, the Orioles gave up good prospects, but they were far from their best. Their farm is still considered the best in baseball, headlined by the sport's top prospect Jackson Holliday. Holliday and fellow infielder Coby Mayo are in Triple-A and could be called up any minute, while second-ranked prospect Samuel Basallo is in Double-A and expected to make the jump next season.
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay continues loading up its farm after dealing Randy Arozena on Thursday. The organization elected to sell at the deadline due to its mediocre 52-51 record, which is four games behind the Kansas City Royals for the final Wild Card spot.
While Eflin should provide help to the rotation, the Orioles still need more from their everyday players, as they've lost six of their last 10 games.
Follow Us
Subscribe
