The Philadelphia Phillies are on fire this season, boasting a powerful offense and stellar pitching staff, reflected in their current status as the best team in Major League Baseball. This success contrasts with their struggles in recent years, especially against the Atlanta Braves, who are now trailing them by five games in the NL East. The Braves, dealing with the loss of their ace pitcher Spencer Strider, are reportedly eyeing Zach Eflin, a former Phillies pitcher now with the Tampa Bay Rays, as a potential addition to their roster.

By the Numbers
  • Eflin signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, making him the highest-paid free agent in the team's history.
  • In 2023, Eflin led the American League in wins with 16 and pitched a career-high 177 2/3 innings over 31 starts, boasting a 3.50 ERA and 119 ERA+.
Yes, But

Eflin's performance in 2024 has been less impressive, with a 4.29 ERA across 10 starts, potentially raising concerns for the Braves if they pursue him as a trade target.

What's Next

If the trade goes through, the addition of Eflin to the Braves could stir up mixed emotions among Phillies fans due to his past underwhelming performance and his arrival in exchange for fan-favorite Jimmy Rollins.

Bottom Line

The Braves' interest in acquiring Zach Eflin signifies their commitment to bolstering their pitching roster to compete with the surging Phillies, potentially adding an intriguing twist to the longstanding rivalry between the two teams.