Did the Orioles make the right call on the $10M Zach Eflin deal? Pundit names Framber Valdez or Ranger Suárez as next target

Zach Eflin is staying with the Baltimore Orioles after agreeing to a one-year, $10 million contract on Sunday, confirming the team’s push to fix its pitching problems after a tough 2025 season.

The deal keeps Zach Eflin at Camden Yards and includes a mutual option for the 2027 season. Soon after the news broke, Orioles analyst Ryan Ripken shared his support for the move and explained why Baltimore still needs another top starter.

Zach Eflin re-signs with Baltimore Orioles on $10M deal

The Baltimore Orioles finalized the deal with Zach Eflin on Sunday, December 15, 2025, bringing back the veteran right-hander for another season. The move comes after Baltimore added power to its lineup earlier this winter by trading for Taylor Ward and signing Pete Alonso.

Ryan Ripken, an Orioles analyst and content creator, reacted to the news on X shortly after the deal was announced. He praised the signing and focused on why pitching depth matters over a long MLB season.

“The Orioles re-signed Zach Eflin. Really good in my opinion,” Ryan Ripken said. “You need pitching. When he’s healthy, he competes. He battles. And most of the time, he gives you a chance to win.”
Ryan Ripken explained that teams cannot rely on only five starters. Injuries and long seasons force clubs to use many arms. He said Zach Eflin’s experience and mindset make him valuable for a team trying to bounce back.

“You don’t just need five starters,” he added. “You need six, seven, sometimes more. That’s why I like this move. It’s good value for the team.”



Ryan Ripken also made it clear that he does not believe the Baltimore Orioles are done making moves. He said the team still needs a true top-of-the-rotation starter to pair with Zach Eflin.

“Do I think the Orioles are done? No,” Ryan Ripken said. “You still need a top guy.”

He named two pitchers as possible targets: Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez. While both are respected starters, Ryan Ripken leaned toward Ranger Suárez as the better fit.

“I still think Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez are in play,” he said. “I don’t believe in the Framber deal as much. Ranger makes more sense here.”

Zach Eflin, meanwhile, had made his feelings about Baltimore clear months earlier. After undergoing lumbar microdiscectomy surgery in mid-August 2025, his season ended early. Speaking to MLB.com reporter Jake Rill, Eflin said he wanted to stay.

“I love this clubhouse,” Zach Eflin said. “I love this place. I’d love to be here.”

Now back with the Orioles, Zach Eflin will aim for a healthy 2026 as Baltimore continues shaping its rotation.

Also Read: Who Is Bo Bichette’s Fiancée? Inside The Private Life Of MLB Star And Alexis