The Baltimore Orioles have had a rough start to their 2021 season, currently sitting at the bottom of the American League East division. With a record of 17-35, it’s clear that changes need to be made in order to turn things around. One potential move that the Orioles could make is trading starting pitcher Zach Eflin.
Eflin, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies in 2018, has been a solid pitcher for the Orioles. However, with the team struggling, it may be time to consider trading him in order to acquire assets that could help the team in the long run.
The 27-year-old right-hander has shown flashes of brilliance on the mound, but his inconsistency has been a cause for concern. In his 10 starts this season, Eflin has a record of 2-5 with an ERA of 4.10. While these numbers may not seem too alarming, it’s important to note that Eflin has had a history of injuries and has yet to pitch a full season without any major setbacks.
So why would the Orioles consider trading Eflin? Well, for starters, they are in a rebuilding phase and are in need of young, talented players who can help them compete in the future. Eflin, who is under team control until 2023, could be a valuable asset for a team looking to add a solid starting pitcher to their rotation.
Another reason to consider trading Eflin is his trade value. Despite his injuries and inconsistencies, Eflin has shown that he has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. This could make him an attractive option for teams in need of pitching depth, especially as the trade deadline approaches.
Of course, trading Eflin would not be an easy decision for the Orioles. He has been a dependable member of their rotation and has shown loyalty to the team. However, in order to build a strong foundation for the future, the Orioles may need to make some tough decisions.
If the Orioles do decide to trade Eflin, what kind of return could they expect? It’s hard to say for sure, but it’s safe to assume that they would be looking for young, talented players who could contribute right away. This could include top prospects from other teams or even major league players who are still in the early stages of their careers.
One potential trade partner for the Orioles could be the San Diego Padres. The Padres are currently in need of starting pitching and have a deep farm system with plenty of talented prospects. A trade involving Eflin and some of the Padres’ top prospects could benefit both teams in the long run.
It’s important to note that nothing is set in stone and the Orioles may choose to hold onto Eflin for the remainder of the season. However, if the right offer comes along, it would be wise for the Orioles to seriously consider it.
In the end, the decision to trade Eflin will ultimately come down to what is best for the Orioles’ future. While it may be tough to part ways with a reliable pitcher like Eflin, it could be a necessary move in order to build a strong and competitive team in the years to come.
Regardless of what the Orioles decide to do, one thing is for sure – they are committed to building a winning team and will do whatever it takes to get there. Whether that means trading Eflin or holding onto him, fans can trust that the Orioles have their best interests in mind.
So while the idea of trading Eflin may be met with mixed reactions, it’s important to remember that this is all part of the process of building a successful team. The Orioles have a bright future ahead of them and trading Eflin could be a crucial step in achieving their goals. Let’s trust in the process and see where it takes us. Go Orioles!
