Orioles Starter Zach Eflin Impresses with Solid Audition Performance, Boosting Trade Value Ahead of 2025 MLB Trade Deadline Decision Window

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, teams are ramping up their evaluation of potential targets who could swing the postseason race. For the Baltimore Orioles, one of their most intriguing chips is veteran right-hander Zach Eflin, who may have pitched his way onto contender radars with a standout performance in his latest start.

Eflin delivered a composed, efficient outing that served as both a valuable win for Baltimore and a well-timed audition for prospective buyers. With teams across both leagues looking to shore up starting rotations, the Orioles are now facing a critical decision: trade Eflin while his value is high or keep him for their own stretch run.

Let’s break down Eflin’s recent outing, why his trade value is peaking, and which teams are best suited to acquire the experienced right-hander ahead of the July 30 deadline.

Eflin’s Strong Audition: A Recap

In a July 24 matchup against the playoff-hopeful Cleveland Guardians, Zach Eflin tossed six strong innings, allowing just two runs while striking out seven and walking none. He scattered six hits across his outing, using a mix of cutters, sinkers, and breaking balls to keep hitters off balance.

His fastball sat in the low-90s, but his command and sequencing were sharp. More importantly, Eflin worked quickly, avoided traffic, and showed the kind of poise that contenders covet in potential mid-rotation additions.

The performance lowered his ERA to 3.84 on the season, with an impressive WHIP of 1.09 and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of nearly 5-to-1. For a team needing stability, innings, and postseason reliability, Eflin has checked all the boxes in July.

Why Eflin Is a Trade Asset

The Orioles signed Eflin to a two-year, $30 million deal in the 2023 offseason—making him both affordable and under control through the end of the 2025 season. That’s appealing to teams seeking not just a rental, but a longer-term investment.

Here’s why Eflin’s stock is rising:

• Durability: He’s made 20 starts this season and thrown over 120 innings.

• Efficiency: His walk rate is among the lowest in the league.

• Postseason Experience: He pitched meaningful innings with the Phillies in 2022.

• Affordable Contract: At roughly $15 million per year, he fits most contender payrolls.

• Club Control: He won’t hit free agency until after 2025, making him more than a two-month rental.

For Baltimore, who may look to clear rotation space for younger arms like Cade Povich or Chayce McDermott, dealing Eflin could net a strong return—especially from desperate teams in tight playoff races.

Best Fits for Eflin at the Deadline

1. St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals have been plagued by inconsistent pitching all season. While their offense is strong enough to contend in the NL Central, the rotation behind Sonny Gray remains shaky. Eflin would immediately slot into the No. 2 or 3 role and bring much-needed consistency.

Fit Grade: A
Why it makes sense: Cardinals need innings and control. Eflin gives both. Plus, they have the prospect capital to offer.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

Despite their star-studded roster, the Dodgers continue to face injury concerns with their starting rotation. Walker Buehler and Yoshinobu Yamamoto remain question marks, and LA has a history of acquiring reliable veterans down the stretch.

Eflin’s calm presence would fit well into a playoff-bound clubhouse and allow the Dodgers to avoid overtaxing young arms like Gavin Stone or Bobby Miller.

Fit Grade: A+
Why it makes sense: Eflin gives the Dodgers stability and postseason experience without mortgaging their future.

3. Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati’s young team has surprised many, but injuries and inconsistencies in the rotation have made their Wild Card pursuit difficult. Adding a veteran like Eflin could stabilize the group, offering leadership and performance.

Fit Grade: B+
Why it makes sense: The Reds are under pressure to take the next step, and Eflin could be a low-risk, high-impact move.

4. Boston Red Sox

Boston has clawed into the AL Wild Card picture but lacks a true innings-eater in their rotation. With multiple starters on innings limits, Eflin could help them finish strong without burning out their bullpen.

Fit Grade: A-
Why it makes sense: The Red Sox have offensive firepower. Eflin gives them a chance to win 2-1 or 3-2 games in October.

5. San Diego Padres

The Padres are always buyers at the deadline, and 2025 is no different. With Blake Snell gone and Joe Musgrove not pitching at peak level, the Padres need rotation help. Eflin’s control and efficiency would work well in pitcher-friendly Petco Park.

Fit Grade: B
Why it makes sense: The Padres need arms, and Eflin can handle high-pressure moments—exactly what San Diego craves.

Baltimore’s Perspective: Trade or Keep?

The Orioles face a familiar dilemma—buy, sell, or stand pat? With the AL East race tight and the Wild Card wide open, keeping Eflin might seem logical. However, their long-term strategy could push them to deal now and promote a younger pitcher who can grow with the core.

Mike Elias and the Orioles front office must weigh these factors:

• Value Peak: Eflin’s value may never be higher than it is right now.

• Internal Depth: Baltimore has a pipeline of arms ready to compete.

• Future Flexibility: Clearing salary opens the door for other offseason moves.

• Playoff Readiness: Is the 2025 team truly ready to contend, or is it still a year away?

If Baltimore receives a strong offer—say, a top-100 pitching prospect or a package of MLB-ready talent—it would be hard to pass up. But if the offers are light, they may prefer to keep Eflin and make their own push.

What Scouts Are Saying

MLB scouts and executives have taken notice of Eflin’s performance. One AL scout said:

“He’s not flashy, but he knows how to pitch. No panic. He’s the type you want starting Game 3 of a playoff series.”

Another executive added:

“Eflin’s price might go up the closer we get to the deadline. Every team is one injury away from needing him.”

Zach Eflin may not be the biggest name on the trade market, but he could be one of the most impactful. His latest start proved that he’s healthy, effective, and ready for the big stage—traits that playoff contenders covet in late July.

For the Orioles, the clock is ticking. Eflin’s value is high, his contract is team-friendly, and several contenders are searching for exactly what he brings. Whether they choose to trade him or not, his recent audition ensured that Baltimore holds a valuable hand as the MLB trade deadline nears.

If Eflin ends up traded, his July 24 performance might be remembered as the outing that sealed the deal.