The Orioles should view Tampa Bay's Zach Eflin signing as the low bar they have to clear this winter
An organization long held up as proof the Orioles can compete in the AL East just paid market price for a starter, and that should prove the Orioles can too.
The Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly signed the biggest free agent contract in club history in the form of starter Zach Eflin — three years, $40 million for a pitcher who it seems like the right club can probably get more out of.
Jeff Passan@JeffPassan
Right-hander Zach Eflin and the Tampa Bay Rays are in agreement on a three-year contract, pending physical, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.
12:00 AM · Dec 2, 2022
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Forget that the Orioles are now, in their own estimation, that kind of club. That high-dollar signing by the Rays standards serves a different purpose for the Orioles.
It sets a bar, albeit a low one, for their offseason in terms of adding to their payroll and, to a different degree, the expectations for what a rather substantial amount of money can get on the free agent pitching market.
It shouldn’t be a hard one to clear.