Zach Eflin $10 Million Dollar Contract with the Baltimore Orioles

Starter Zach Eflin was mediocre in 2025, pitching to a 5.93 ERA and a 5.64 FIP in only 70 innings pitched. This was in large part due to a back injury that ended his season in August and negatively impacted his performance. He recently received a 1-year, $10 million contract from the Baltimore Orioles for the 2026 season.

Photo Courtesy of Bleacher Nation

In the year prior, split between the Rays and the Orioles, he posted a 3.59 ERA and a 3.77 FIP. Before that, he's posted FIPs under that 3.77 mark every year since 2019. Throughout his big league career, he's had multiple stints as a swingman-type pitcher, pitching in both the bullpen and as a starter. The Orioles expect him to be a starter, and based on his past few solid seasons, he should rebound from his disastrous 2025 season. According to the valuation model, he should've gotten a 1-year, $10 million contract, exactly what he received from the Orioles. Maybe teams are beginning to follow the valuation system.