In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the baseball world, the Chicago Cubs have won a heated free-agent bidding war to sign right-hander Zach Eflin, formerly of the Baltimore Orioles. The Cubs reportedly outmaneuvered the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and even Eflin’s former team, the Tampa Bay Rays, in what insiders are calling one of the most aggressive off-season pushes in recent memory.
Eflin, 31, had emerged as a stabilizing force in the Orioles’ rotation during the second half of the 2024 season after being traded from the Rays at the deadline. With a 3.35 ERA over 14 starts in Baltimore and a strong postseason showing, Eflin’s stock soared heading into the offseason. Though he was still under contract through 2025, a clause in his deal reportedly allowed him to opt out under specific performance conditions — conditions he easily met.
The Cubs, looking to solidify their rotation after a disappointing finish to the 2024 season, saw Eflin as their top target. According to sources close to the negotiations, Chicago offered a four-year, $72 million contract that included a full no-trade clause and performance incentives that could push the deal’s total value north of $80 million.
“Zach brings veteran leadership, durability, and postseason experience,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said in a press conference. “We made it clear from day one of free agency that we were going to be aggressive, and we believe Eflin is a perfect fit for what we’re building.”
The signing signals a renewed sense of urgency for the Cubs, who last made the playoffs in 2023 but struggled with inconsistency in their starting rotation during the 2024 campaign. Eflin is expected to slot in behind ace Justin Steele, giving the North Siders a formidable 1-2 punch.
Several other teams were deeply involved in the pursuit. The Red Sox reportedly offered a similar deal but balked at the no-trade clause. The Tigers made a late push, trying to lure Eflin with a front-loaded contract and a guaranteed opening day start. Meanwhile, the Rays—who initially signed Eflin to a three-year deal in 2022—were believed to be interested in a reunion but couldn’t match the financial firepower of the larger-market clubs.
Eflin expressed excitement about joining the Cubs, calling Wrigley Field “one of the best places in baseball to pitch” and citing the team’s young core and passionate fan base as major reasons for his decision.
“I’ve pitched in a lot of parks, but there’s something different about Wrigley,” Eflin said. “This team is ready to win, and I want to be a part of that journey.”
The move marks the first major signing of the 2025 offseason and could trigger a domino effect as other teams now scramble to pivot to second-tier pitching options. For the Cubs, though, the message is clear: they’re back in win-now mode—and Zach Eflin is leading the charge.
