Padres May Goal Orioles’ Zach Eflin at Commerce Deadline, Says Insider

The San Diego Padres might look so as to add one other arm to their depleted rotation by concentrating on the Baltimore Orioles’ Zach Eflin.

ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan imagine the right-hander has a 75 p.c likelihood to relocate forward of the deadline. The Orioles are at the moment useless final within the AL East, and Eflin ‘s contract is about to run out on the finish of 2025, making him an asset for a “win now” staff.

Eflin, 31, moved to the Orioles in the course of 2024, and posted a 2.60 ERA with Baltimore via 9 begins. This season, his numbers have drastically dropped off, permitting greater than double the runs he allowed for the Orioles this yr than he did final yr in simply two extra begins. He has additionally struck out 5 fewer batters in 5.2 fewer innings.

Extra information: Padres Named ‘Finest Match’ for $50 Million Cy Younger Winner in Potential Blockbuster Commerce

Eflin has by no means been the star of a rotation, however he has strung collectively some constant seasons since 2018, sticking round an ERA of 4.00 whereas dipping in the direction of 3.50 in 2023 and 2024. The veteran holds constructive upside for the Padres in the event that they transfer for him, and will function a precious pickup.

If the Padres have been to commerce for Eflin, they might probably get him cheaper than they usually would on account of his shortcomings this season.

They might use the assist in the rotation, as they’ve struggled to maintain a constant 5 starters all season on account of harm.

Yu Darvish remains to be but to return from the elbow irritation which has saved him sidelined since spring coaching, and there in no concrete timeline for the return of Michael King, who has been out since late Might with a nerve situation.

Extra information: Padres’ Prime Commerce Goal Has 25 % Likelihood of Being Dealt, Says Insider

The Padres are at the moment second within the NL West, and sit six video games again from the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers. Regardless of this, they’re the only real house owners of the ultimate NL Wild Card spot, and lead the San Francisco Giants by half a sport.

If the Friars have been to make a transfer for Eflin, it will give them an MLB-proven arm in a beginning rotation which is yet one more harm away from probably derailing their complete season.

For extra Padres information, head over to Padres on SI.