The trade deadline is on Tuesday, so MLB teams have at least a few extra days to finalize some deals.
The Baltimore Orioles, however, decided to go to work earlier than anticipated.
On Friday morning, they completed a trade that brought them center fielder Cristian Pache and reliever Seranthony Dominguez.
They sent outfielder Austin Hays to the Philadelphia Phillies in return.
Now, in the afternoon, they swung another deal, this time with a division rival: the Tampa Bay Rays.
“Trade news: The Baltimore Orioles are acquiring right-handed starter Zach Eflin from the Tampa Bay Rays, sources tell ESPN. Tampa Bay will receive three minor leaguers in return for one of the top starters available. @Ken_Rosenthal was on the news,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan tweeted.
Trade news: The Baltimore Orioles are acquiring right-handed starter Zach Eflin from the Tampa Bay Rays, sources tell ESPN.
Tampa Bay will receive three minor leaguers in return for one of the top starters available.@Ken_Rosenthal was on the news.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 26, 2024
The O’s knew that they needed to bring in multiple pitchers ahead of the deadline.
So far, they haven’t dealt away any major pieces (we don’t know the names of the three prospects they sent to Tampa, though) and have managed to net a good reserve center fielder, a solid reliever, and a mid-rotation starter.
Eflin has a 4.09 ERA in 110 innings this season with the Rays, and posted a 3.50 ERA last year.
He could give Baltimore some much-needed innings in the middle of their rotation.
Even after bringing in Eflin, Baltimore is not necessarily out of the market.
They could still be players for Garrett Crochet or Luis Robert Jr. if the Chicago White Sox make them available.
They know their time is now and are actively trying to improve their roster to separate themselves from the rest of the American League.
NEXT:
MLB Insider Reports Surprising Trade Between 2 World Series Contenders