Zach Eflin on the trade block?: 5 possible landing spots
TAMPA, Fla. (BVM) – The Tampa Bay Rays have hovered around .500 for most of the 2024 MLB season but may ultimately look to sell as the trade deadline approaches while playing in a loaded AL East. Should the Rays decide to make some moves before the deadline, one of the players who could be on the trade block is starting pitcher Zach Eflin.
Eflin has been labeled as a trade deadline candidate by several sources recently, including New York Post columnist and MLB Network insider Jon Heyman who believes there’s a 50-50 chance that the veteran starter is dealt before July 30.
The 6-foot-6, 220-pound righty is currently in the second year of a back-loaded three-year deal he signed during the 2023 offseason. Eflin rewarded Tampa Bay with a career year last season as he went 16-8 with a 3.50 ERA and 186 strikeouts.
Eflin, who spent the first seven years of his MLB career with the Phillies, hasn’t been quite as dominant thus far in 2024, but he has remained consistent overall with a 5-6 record, a 3.99 ERA, a 1.12 WHIP and 78 strikeouts.
The 30-year-old’s experience and pedigree could make him a valuable piece for a contender down the stretch and he should have several suitors if the Rays choose to make him available. Here are five potential landing spots for Eflin if he is dealt before the trade deadline.
