O's decline Eflin's mutual option for '27, making RHP a free agent

BALTIMORE -- As expected, Zach Eflin is heading to free agency for the second straight offseason.

On Friday, the Orioles declined Eflin's mutual option for the 2027 season that would have been worth $25 million. The 32-year-old right-hander will instead receive a $2 million buyout.

Eflin signed a one-year, $10 million contract to return to Baltimore last Dec. 28, and the O's were projecting him to again be a key member of their starting rotation. That didn't end up being the case.

On March 31, Eflin exited his 2026 debut vs. the Rangers at Camden Yards in the fourth inning due to right elbow discomfort. He underwent Tommy John surgery on April 8, ending his season after only one start.

It was a disappointing development for both the Orioles and Eflin, who was aiming for a bounce-back campaign following an injury-plagued 2025 season. He made only 14 starts in '25 due to three stints on the injured list for lat/back ailments, recording a 5.93 ERA over 71 1/3 innings.

An 11-year MLB veteran, Eflin was dealt from Tampa Bay to Baltimore ahead of the 2024 Trade Deadline. He went on to post a 2.60 ERA in nine starts for the O's down the stretch, then tossed four innings of one-run ball in the American League Wild Card Series Game 2 loss to the Royals.

Eflin has repeatedly made it clear how much he enjoys playing for the Orioles, and he was around the team throughout the 2026 season while going through the rehab process. He also said he'd like to return in '27.

So, a reunion could still be possible. The Orioles need to add starters this offseason, especially with left-hander Trevor Rogers now a free agent as well (and unlikely to accept a qualifying offer, which he'll likely receive).

In addition to Eflin and Rogers, left-hander Keegan Akin, right-hander Chris Bassitt and right-hander Andrew Kittredge are now free agents as well.

Baltimore still has decisions to make on team options for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. ($20 million) and first baseman Ryan Mountcastle ($7.5 million). It is widely expected that Robert's option will be declined.

Right-hander Ryan Helsley opted into his $14 million player option for 2027 on Thursday, so he'll be back with the Orioles next season.

The O's also re-signed outfielder Rece Hinds to an MLB deal for the 2027 season on Friday. The 26-year-old, who is out of Minor League options, played 12 games for Baltimore this past season, going 5-for-28 (.179) with two doubles, one RBI and a .523 OPS.