Latest news with #Eflin
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Trade for Orioles Starter Would Fill Yankees' 'Imperative' Deadline Need
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The New York Yankees know they need to add starting pitching ahead of the trade deadline in a few weeks. Brian Cashman will have options to choose from, andthe team knows it needs to bring in someone to push for the American League East title. Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report believes the Bronx Bombers could pursue Baltimore Orioles starter Zach Eflin. BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JUNE 28: Zach Eflin #24 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 28, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JUNE 28: Zach Eflin #24 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 28, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. G. Fiume/Getty Images "Zach Eflin is currently on the injured list with lower back discomfort," wrote Kelly. "Injuries have been a theme throughout his career, but this is someone with experience both as a starter and reliever in the postseason who could help the Yankees. The plan in acquiring the 31-year-old would be for him to be the No. 3 starter in the rotation behind Max Fried and Carlos Rodón." Eflin hasn't had the best season so far for the Orioles as he's posted a 5.95 ERA in 12 starts. His strikeout numbers are down from the previous two seasons as he's only striking out 6.1 batters every nine innings. He's someone who could bounce back for the Yankees, and his situation makes him the type of player they could take a chance on at the end of the month. "Getting another postseason starter will be imperative for general manager Brian Cashman after losing Clarke Schmidt for the year to Tommy John surgery," wrote Kelly. "Eflin is a rental, so the Yankees could acquire him from the division-rival Orioles without having to trade a top-100 prospect. That would leave them wiggle room to address other areas on the roster, such as third base and the back of the bullpen." Grabbing a starter at the deadline without giving up a top-100 prospect is the perfect situation. Eflin's numbers this year will lower his value, so Baltimore won't get as much back as it would have if his ERA was much lower. If he's still on the injured list at the deadline but making progress, the Yankees could try to grab him for even less. Overall, this is a low-risk, high-reward type of move the Yankees should look into making even within their own division. More MLB: Yankees Pushed to Finally Cut Ties With Struggling 30-Year-Old Reliever
New York Times
08-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
If Orioles, Pirates sell at MLB trade deadline, which players have potential to step up?
With the MLB trade deadline quickly approaching, the divide between buyers and sellers is becoming clearer. In this column, I'll look at the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates (potential sellers), their key players who could be moved, and interesting in-house pieces who could fill gaps or take on a higher role after the trade deadline. Access The Athletic's guide for abbreviations used in fantasy baseball. Advertisement Despite entering this season with expectations that they would be postseason-bound, the Orioles are trending toward being sellers or, at least, reshaping their roster. Due to underperformance and injuries, the Orioles are 7.5 games back of the final wild card spot and 12 back in the AL East. However, they have a deep team with many players who may be of interest to opposing teams. I'll focus on their rotation and first base. The Orioles have three starting pitchers who will be hitting free agency at the end of this season and will likely see high interest as the deadline approaches: Eflin is currently on the 15-day IL with lower back discomfort; it's his second time on the IL this season (his first stint was April 8-May 11 with a right lat strain), and it is unclear when he will return. Morton and Sugano are healthy. Eflin and Morton offer veteran presence with postseason experience, while Sugano — though riskier due to limited MLB time — remains intriguing because of his plus control and two above-average pitches (splitter and cutter). If the Orioles decide to trade one (or more) of these pitchers, only a few guys in Triple A can take their spot(s). I'll focus on the following three options because they all fall in the Orioles' top 30 prospects per MLB's prospect list RHP Chayce McDermott — No. 3 Prospect McDermott is the Orioles' third-ranked prospect, but he's their number-one pitching prospect. That being said, he has some strides to make before settling into a role in the majors. McDermott started one game at the major-league level this season and pitched in relief in another (a total of 7.2 innings pitched). He has a 5.94 FIP, 22% strikeout rate, and 20% walk rate through 31 innings pitched in Triple A. McDermott throws three pitches: Control is McDermott's biggest hurdle and is something he has struggled with throughout his minor-league career. His best minor-league season walk rate is much worse than average at 13%. At this point, it seems unlikely that he can progress enough to be trusted with a long-term starter role despite starting in the minors. Depending on his improvement, he may be better suited as a multi-inning reliever or shorter-stint bullpen piece. Despite being ranked lower by MLB and due to better control, I think the following two pitchers have a better shot at a starter role. Advertisement RHP Cameron Weston — No. 17 Prospect Weston is not on the 40-man roster but is a starter in Triple A and is the Orioles' ninth-ranked pitching prospect. He offers a unique look with a low three-quarter delivery. While Weston lacks a true plus pitch, he's expanded his arsenal since joining the Orioles' system. He throws a fastball, slider, changeup, splitter and cutter. This mix allows him to throw to all four quadrants of the zone, keeping hitters off-balance. He's shown an ability to get strikeouts and ground balls throughout his minor-league career and has average control. RHP Brandon Young — No. 19 Prospect Young has already stepped in for Eflin in the rotation, posting a 4.83 FIP through four starts (16.2 innings). He features a five-pitch mix consisting of the following: The mix is fairly average in shape and movement, though the curveball is his best offering. Against righties, Young primarily utilizes his four-seamer and cutter. He mixes in his curveball occasionally on the first pitch and when he is ahead. He leans heavily on his splitter when he gets ahead and when he has two strikes, as it generates high, in-zone misses. That being said, Young has not been getting ahead that often. His 14% walk rate comes over a small sample but would rank the worst in MLB if qualified. The good news is that a walk rate this high is unusual for Young. His walk rates in the past few seasons in the minor leagues have been much more manageable: Data from FanGraphs While Young started his professional career with a very competitive strikeout rate, it declined significantly, beginning in Double A. *Small sample, only 22 innings. Data from FanGraphs Based on this information and his pitch characteristics and mix, I project Young to have a strikeout rate closer to the major-league average (20-22%) at best. While he shows some ability to get strikeouts, he does not have high velocity or stuff with the movement that will generate high swing-and-miss. He will need to rely more on his control and command for success. Advertisement Once his control stabilizes, he can lean more confidently and effectively on his best pitch — the curveball. Regarding fantasy outlook, Young profiles as a back-of-the-rotation, depth starter. If you're considering adding Young as a streamer, avoid starting him against good teams. Another major trade piece is first baseman Ryan O'Hearn. The hole he leaves behind is tougher to fill because the Orioles do not have much first-base depth. RHH Coby Mayo Coby Mayo has taken reps at the position and is an option to take over at first for the remainder of the season. Through 82 PA in the majors this season, Mayo has been unimpressive with a .584 OPS, 26% strikeout rate and 7% walk rate (all below average). In the minors, Mayo showed consistent power (his strongest tool) and an ability to walk. In the majors, he has struggled to achieve the same results because he is having trouble making contact and recognizing breaking and off-speed pitches, which has been reflected in his sharply reduced walk rate. The first sign of improvement for Mayo would be taking more pitches and walking more. From there, he can afford to be more selective and start translating his power more consistently. LHH Heston Kjerstad Heston Kjerstad is another player who can fill in despite spending most of his time in the majors in the outfield. In 167 PA this season in MLB, Kjerstad struggled with a .567 OPS, 27% strikeout rate and 4% walk rate. Like Mayo, power is Kjerstad's strongest tool, but he struggles with pitch recognition and swing decisions. Given the struggles of both players, a platoon of righty Mayo and lefty Kjerstad may be the most effective short-term solution. This way, they can each get at-bats in favorable matchups and, ideally, start to improve. The Pirates enter the deadline in an interesting spot, with three bullpen arms that could attract trade interest: Ferguson will be a free agent at the end of this season, but Bednar and Santana each have another year under team control. All three have had successful seasons so far and will be of interest to competing teams. I'll examine how Santana and Ferguson would do if they were to remain and take on more responsibility. Advertisement LHP Caleb Ferguson Through 38 innings pitched, Ferguson has a 2.85 FIP, 20% strikeout rate and 9% walk rate. Though his strikeout rate is down from years past, his FIP is the best it's been since 2020. One standout stat is his hard-hit rate, which ranks the best in MLB among qualified pitchers. It's also much improved since last season: Data from Baseball Savant The decreased HH% is partly due to a change in pitch mix that better equips Ferguson against lefties. Before this season, Ferguson had reverse splits: This season, he has improved his results against lefties by over one run. Ferguson has three fastballs: a four-seamer, cutter and sinker. Historically, he's used his four-seamer as his primary weapon against lefties, followed by the cutter and then the sinker. This season, however, he's throwing the sinker 45% of the time, and it's now his primary pitch. The sinker is getting good Chase and Whiff, and, most impressively, he is not giving up any damage with the pitch. Of the 123 sinkers thrown to lefties this season, only four have been hit hard. And of those four, three were foul balls, and the fourth was a ground out. Bednar and Santana may be overshadowing Ferguson in the bullpen right now, but Ferguson is quietly having a great season with intentional changes backing his success. If Bednar and/or Santana are traded, Ferguson can fill their shoes and succeed in higher-leverage situations. RHP Dennis Santana Righty Santana made significant strides in 2024, allowing him to be trusted in higher-leverage situations. His control improved significantly; he's been better at limiting hard contact; and his FIP has decreased from 5.89 in 2023 to 2.51 this season. The biggest change has been how he uses his pitches, especially the slider. Santana now relies on his slider as his primary pitch against both hands and has reduced the usage of his sinker and changeup. Data from Baseball Savant He's also changed how he is using his slider. In 2023, Santana's slider effectively got Chase when hitters swung. However, hitters often didn't swing because Santana was not landing it for strikes. This season, the slider usage is a lot different. Against both hands, Santana is throwing the pitch mainly for strikes, and the results are much better across the board. Table data from Pitcher List Throwing the slider in-zone more has also improved Santana's walk rate, which is 5%, the lowest of his career. Santana has earned trust in big spots with this strike-throwing approach and revamped pitch usage. If Bednar is traded, Santana has the arsenal and control to continue his success as the Pirates' closer. (Top photo of Caleb Ferguson: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cubs Trade Idea Lands Orioles' Zach Eflin and Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly
Cubs Trade Idea Lands Orioles' Zach Eflin and Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Cubs are in the middle of a great 2025 season. Offensively and defensively, the team is humming. But the pitching has been suspect, especially in the starting rotation. Even with Shota Imanaga returning from injury, the Cubs should still look for more help in the rotation. Advertisement Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report suggested a unique trade idea that would have the Cubs adding multiple starting pitchers at the MLB trade deadline. The two pitchers he named were Baltimore Orioles' Zach Eflin and Arizona Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly. "Alternatively," Kelly writes. "He (Jed Hoyer) could try to add a pair of starters that could take the ball in the playoffs, like Zach Eflin of the Baltimore Orioles and Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks. A rotation of Imanaga, Eflin, and Kelly might not have an obvious ace, but it would give you three pretty good options." The proposition of adding a starting pitcher at the trade deadline isn't unique. But the idea of adding both Eflin and Kelly is a new twist on how the Cubs could manage the trade deadline. With a great offense, elite defense, and a strong bullpen, the rotation is the only concern for the Cubs. By adding two starters, the rotation in Chicago would drastically improve. Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer talks to the media after introducing pitcher Shota Imanaga (not pictured) during a press conference at Loews Chicago Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Eflin has a 6-4 record with a 5.45 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 11 games, while Kelly has a 7-3 record with a 3.39 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 16 starts. They're both solid veterans with years of experience, including in the postseason and the World Series. Advertisement While adding both would likely cost a lot, it'd be a huge improvement on their starting rotation if the Cubs could add multiple starters. Justin Steele is out for the year, and Javier Assad isn't a guarantee to make a difference in 2025. Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, Cade Horton, and Colin Rea have led the Cubs rotation in 2025. Boyd has been great, while the other three have been solid. But the Cubs need more high-end arms, and Kelly would be that addition. Eflin, while he's struggled in 2025, would be great depth, and even has experience moving to the bullpen come the postseason. He'd help round out the Cubs' rotation and provide more depth at a position where the Cubs have suffered multiple injuries all season. While adding multiple starters at the deadline is a unique move, it could be the right decision for the Cubs. Solidifying the rotation, while also accounting for injury, would be a great way for the Cubs to prepare for a deep postseason run to go for their second World Series in the past decade. Advertisement Related: Cubs Reportedly Inquired With Red Sox About Rafael Devers Trade Related: Cubs Get Great News on Shota Imanaga's Potential Return This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cubs Setting Sights on Orioles' Zach Eflin at MLB Trade Deadline
Cubs Setting Sights on Orioles' Zach Eflin at MLB Trade Deadline originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Cubs are positioning themselves as buyers at the July 31st trade deadline. Despite holding a five-game lead atop the NL Central, the front office knows that maintaining momentum through the second half will require upgrades on the mound. Advertisement Chicago's pitching staff has battled consistency issues all season, primarily due to injuries to lefties Justin Steele and Shoto Imanaga. Although their offense ranks second in runs scored, the Cubs' starting rotation has fallen to 19th in the league, according to FanGraphs. President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer acknowledged the front office is actively exploring trade possibilities and may already have their eyes on a top arm on the trade block. According to Cubs insider George Ofman, Chicago has its sights set on Baltimore Orioles starter Zach Eflin, and the team is set to take a look at the veteran on Wednesday during his scheduled start against the Detroit Tigers. Ofman did not say if the Cubs are sending scouts to watch Eflin in person, but their interest is legitimate. Baltimore Orioles starter Zach Eflin (24) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile ParkStephen Brashear-Imagn Images Eflin, 31, has a 5-2 record with a 4.47 ERA, striking out 31 and walking just eight in 46.1 innings over eight starts with the Orioles in 2025. Although his ERA is higher than usual, he remains a dependable innings-eater with postseason experience and a proven ability to compete against high-caliber lineups. Advertisement For a Cubs rotation that has dealt with key injuries, acquiring a veteran like Eflin could bring both leadership and consistency. Adding a pitcher of his caliber would signal that Chicago is serious about contending now and give them a top pitching tandem in hopes of snapping a modest four-year playoff drought. Related: MLB Insider Predicts Cubs to Make Big Splash During MLB Trade Deadline This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
San Francisco Chronicle
31-05-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Eflin goes seven scoreless innings and Orioles beat White Sox 2-1
BALTIMORE (AP) — Zach Eflin allowed four hits over seven shutout innings and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Chicago White Sox 2-1 on Friday. Eflin (4-2) struck out six and walked one in his first scoreless outing this season while lowering his ERA nearly a run to 4.46. Ramón Urías broke a scoreless tie with a sixth-inning sacrifice fly off Sean Burke (3-6). Ryan Mountcastle then swiped home on a double steal, then left before the eighth inning with right hamstring discomfort. Bryan Baker worked a perfect eighth in a game originally scheduled to start at 7:05 p.m. that was moved up to 4:30 p.m. because of expected inclement weather in the area, before Felix Bautista gave up Andrew Benintendi's RBI double in the ninth then stranded two for his ninth save. Burke worked six innings after opener Jared Shuster worked an inning plus a batter as the White Sox fell to .200 (6-24) on the road. Key moment Chicago's Miguel Vargas singled and Benintendi walked to put two on with one out in the seventh. Eflin escaped by striking out Luis Robert Jr. swinging and Joshua Palacios Jr. looking, the latter on a 3-2 cutter that home plate umpire D.J. Rayburn said caught the outer corner of the zone. Key stat Eflin got within six batters of completing his fourth career shutout and his first since 2020. His last nine-inning shutout helped Philadelphia win 7-0 win at Kansas City on May 11, 2019. Up next Chicago right-hander Davis Martin (2-5, 3.45 ERA) will try to extend his streak of quality starts to four on Saturday after yielding only five combined runs in his last three outings (20 IP). He faces Orioles right-hander Dean Kremer (4-5-, 5.02), who is looking for consecutive wins after pitching 5 1/3 scoreless frames in a 5-1 victory at Boston last Sunday. ___
