Orioles acquire former AL wins leader in trade

May 14, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Baltimore Orioles cap and glove sits in dugout in the second inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles have made their splash.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported Friday that the Orioles are acquiring right-hander Zach Eflin in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeff Passan of ESPN adds that the Orioles are sending three minor-leaguers (outfielder Matthew Etzel, righty pitcher Jackson Baumeister and utilityman Mac Horvath) back to Tampa Bay for Eflin.

The 30-year-old Eflin led the American League in wins last season with 16 of them. He has been a bit less succcessful this season with a 5-7 record and a 4.09 ERA in 19 starts for Tampa Bay. But Eflin is a generally reliable mid-rotation starter who pitches deep into games, does not allow many walks, and is still signed for $18 million next year.

Baltimore is tied for the best record in the AL right now at 61-41. Many were questioning their pre-trade deadline strategy after they made a notable sale earlier in the day on Friday . But the Orioles are now adding some talent too and may not be done sniffing around the pitching market for upgrades .

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