The Baltimore Orioles, proving they won’t be satisfied with another playoff berth, are going for the jugular and a first World Series title since 1983, acquiring veteran starter ZachEflin and cash considerations from the Tampa Bay Rays for three prospects Friday.
The Orioles are sending infielder Mac Horvath, right-handed pitcher Jackson Baumeister and outfielder Matthew Etzel to Tampa. Horvath is ranked as the Orioles’ 13th best prospect, according to Baseball America’s updated ranking while Baumeister is No. 18.
The move comes just hours after the Oriole landed veteran reliever Seranthony Dominguez from the Philadelphia Phillies for 2023 All-Star outfielder Austin Hays.
The Orioles, who won 101 games last year and are leading the AL East, were in desperate need of a third starter behind Cy Young award winner Corbin Burnes and rising star Grayson Rodriguez. They had lost three starters to season-ending injuries, and wanted a veteran arm with postseason experience.
Eflin, 5-7, 4.09 ERA, was the perfect fit. He won 16 games a year ago with the Rays, and has 11 postseason appearances with the Phillies and Rays. He told friends he was thrilled by the trade knowing he has a chance to reach the World Series.
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The Orioles, who set out to acquire a starter and reliever, now could be set heading into the pennant race. Baltimore’s urgency for late-inning bullpen help increased on Thursday when they coughed up a 6-0 lead against Miami with veteran closer Craig Kimbrel blowing the save in the ninth inning. Dominguez, who has been erratic this season, is yielding a 4.75 ERA in 38 relief appearances, but has a 1.13 ERA in 15 career playoff appearances.
They also showed they are willing to spend money under new owner David Rubenstein, who is expected to complete the sale purchase of the club within the next few days.
Eflin, who received the biggest free-agent contract in Rays’ franchise history, is in the second year of a three-year, $40 million deal. He is owed $18 million next year.
While the Orioles are going for their first World Series title in 41 years, the Rays are waving the white flag after reaching the postseason five consecutive years, including a World Series appearance in 2020.