Rich Dubroff

Orioles decline option on Eflin’s 2027 contract, sign Hinds to ’27 deal

Mar 31, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin (24) throws during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images

In a move that was widely expected, the Orioles declined their half of a mutual option on right-handed starter Zach Eflin’s 2027 contract. Eflin, who had Tommy John surgery in April, would have made $25 million next season if both sides exercised the option. He receives a $2 million buyout.

Eflin was removed from his first start of the 2026 season on March 31^st after 3 2/3 innings.

He was acquired from Tampa Bay on July 26^th, 2024 and was 5-2 with a 2.60 ERA in nine starts.

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In 2025, Eflin had three stints on the injured list and had back surgery in August, compiling a 6-5 record and 5.93 ERA in 14 starts.

He re-signed with the Orioles last December 28th and pitched well enough in spring training to secure a spot in the starting rotation.

The Orioles signed outfielder Rece Hinds to a 2027 major league contract. Hinds, whose contract was purchased from the Miami Marlins on August 3^rd, hit .179 (5-for-28) with an RBI in 12 games with 13 strikeouts.

Call for questions: I answer Orioles questions most weekdays. Please send yours to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com

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Rich Dubroff

Rich Dubroff grew up in Brooklyn as a fan of New York teams, but after he moved to Baltimore, quickly adopted the Orioles and Colts. After nearly two decades as a freelancer assisting on Orioles coverage for several outlets, principally The Capital in Annapolis and The Carroll County Times, Dubroff began covering the team fulltime in 2011. He spent five years at Comcast SportsNet’s website and for the last two seasons, wrote for PressBoxonline.com, Dubroff lives in Baltimore with his wife of more than 30 years, Susan.