Orioles Decline Option on RHP Zach Eflin, Sign OF Rece Hinds to 2027 Contract
Zach Eflin missed the 2026 season after Tommy John surgery, while Rece Hinds gets a split deal worth $4,700 above the minimum in the majors.
- On Friday, the Baltimore Orioles declined right-hander Zach Eflin's $25 million mutual option for 2027, paying a $2 million buyout instead. The team also signed outfielder Rece Hinds to a one-year deal.
- Following a season limited to one start by Tommy John surgery, the Orioles' decision to pass on the mutual option was widely expected. Mutual options are rarely exercised in MLB.
- Baltimore originally acquired Eflin during the 2024 season; he later signed a $10 million, one-year deal, posting a 6-5 record and 5.93 ERA in 2025 before the injury.
- Hinds signed a split contract for 2027 paying $4,700 above the 2027 minimum while in MLB and $180,000 while in the minors. The deal structure reflects his status as a depth outfielder.
- After appearing for the Orioles, Cincinnati, and Miami this year, Hinds hit.143 across 25 games before joining Baltimore for 2027. The roster move signals the team's depth investment heading into the new season.
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O's decline Eflin's mutual option for '27, making RHP a free agent
BALTIMORE -- As expected, Zach Eflin is heading to free agency for the second straight offseason. On Friday, the Orioles declined Eflin's mutual option for the 2027 season that would have been worth $25 million. The 32-year-old right-hander will instead receive a $2 million buyout. Eflin signed a one-year, $10
Orioles Begin 2027 Roster Shakeup: Zach Eflin Option Declined, Four Pitchers Enter Free Agency, Reece Hinds Signed
Orioles Begin 2027 Roster Shakeup: Zach Eflin Option Declined, Four Pitchers Enter Free Agency, Reece Hinds Signed By Brian Hradsky BALTIMORE — October 30, 2026 — The Baltimore Orioles have started making significant roster decisions following the conclusion of the 2026 Major League Baseball season. Five pitchers have entered free agency, including Zach Eflin, Trevor
Orioles decline option on Eflin's 2027 contract, sign Hinds to '27 deal
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 …
MLB Trade Rumors
BVM Sports USZach Eflin Becomes Free Agent
Right-hander Zach Eflin was listed in a batch of new free agents in a press release from the MLB Players Association. That indicates that Eflin’s 2027 mutual option was turned down, either by himself or the Orioles. More to come.
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