masnsports
Zach Eflin has officially hit free agency, a move that was widely anticipated after the veteran right-hander made just one start in 2026 before undergoing elbow-reconstructive surgery. Eflin held a $25 million mutual option on his contract, which the Orioles declined, allowing him to test the open market.
Outfielder Rece Hinds, meanwhile, has secured his spot on the 40-man roster with a new major league deal that slightly exceeds the league minimum. While not a blockbuster transaction, the move could be a strategic play to retain Hinds in the organization should he be exposed to waivers, similar to prior deals for infielder Luis Vázquez and relievers Josh Walker and Rico Garcia in 2025.
Baltimore’s 40-man roster currently stands at 37 players, but the club must reinstate six players from the 60-day injured list: pitchers Kyle Bradish, Ryan Helsley, and Colin Selby, infielders Ryan Mountcastle and Jordan Westburg, and outfielder Tyler O’Neill. The Orioles have the option to decline Mountcastle’s $7.5 million option, which would send him to free agency for the first time in his career. Helsley, on the other hand, exercised his $14 million option on Thursday.
Selby did not pitch this season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He is out of minor league options and remains shy of arbitration eligibility after earning $785,200 this year. Another roster spot could open if the Orioles decline outfielder Luis Robert Jr.’s $20 million option, and the team reportedly parted ways with infielder José Barrero, who became a free agent.
Among the seven players eligible for arbitration, reliever Félix Bautista, shortstop Gunnar Henderson, infielder Jordan Westburg, and outfielder Colton Cowser appear certain to receive contract tenders. Outfielder Leody Taveras and relievers Albert Suárez and Codi Heuer would be removed from the 40-man roster if non-tendered. MLBTradeRumors.com projects a $3.7 million salary for Taveras and $1.1 million each for Suárez and Heuer.
Players eligible for the Rule 5 draft must be protected by November 17, regardless of whether the Winter Meetings are canceled. Candidates include outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr., infielder Aron Estrada, and pitchers Michael Forret, Nestor German, Patrick Reilly, Levi Wells, and Braxton Bragg.
Even without Robert, the Orioles have eight outfielders on the 40-man roster when O’Neill is included, a group that features Reed Trimble, who was protected last November in the Rule 5 draft, and Taveras, whose status remains uncertain.
Among the pitchers is right-hander Yosver Zulueta, who was claimed off waivers from the Cubs in June. Zulueta owns a 5.32 ERA in 19 games with the Reds from 2024-25 and posted a 3.74 ERA this summer in 20 appearances with Triple-A Norfolk.
Rogers’ Free Agency Projection
Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently ranked his top 40 free agents, placing left-hander Trevor Rogers at No. 15 with a projected three-year, $64 million contract. That valuation seems reasonable given Rogers’ production over the past two seasons and a relatively weak free agent class compared to other winters.
Bowden slots eight pitchers ahead of Rogers, starting with Tarik Skubal, who is projected to command $350-$500 million depending on contract length. Any conversation between the Orioles and agent Scott Boras regarding Skubal figures to be brief. Freddy Peralta ranks No. 2 at five years, $140 million, followed by Michael King at No. 4 (four years, $118 million), Clay Holmes at No. 10 (two years, $44 million), reliever Adrian Morejon at No. 11 (three years, $42 million), closer David Bednar at No. 12 (three years, $55 million), Nick Martinez at No. 13 (two years, $48 million), and Foster Griffin at No. 14 (three years, $67 million).
The Orioles are not viewed as a best team fit for anyone in the top 40 except Rogers, including outfielder Randy Arozarena (five years, $124 million). Baltimore is already paying Shane Baz $68 million over five years and Kyle Bradish $90 million over five. The $18.5 million for Chris Bassitt and $10 million for Zach Eflin have come off the books, while Brandon Young made the major league minimum of $780,000.
Rotation depth includes Cade Povich, Trey Gibson, and Luis De León, the No. 8 prospect in the system per MLB Pipeline, who pitched in relief in September but is returning to a starting role.
Rogers is expected to receive the $23.15 million qualifying offer and is expected to decline it, but the Orioles can negotiate with him in free agency until the anticipated December 1 lockout. Rogers might prefer to secure a deal earlier, but only if it suits him. Teams always covet pitching, and the market for Rogers should be robust, especially for organizations that cannot compete for Skubal or even Peralta and King. Rogers turns 29 on November 13, so age is not a concern.
Denoyer Returns as Coach
Former Orioles prospect Noah Denoyer is back in the organization. Denoyer, 28, announced on his Instagram account that he has been hired as a minor league pitching development coach. He spent 2025 with the independent York Revolution before transitioning to the next phase of his career.
The Orioles protected Denoyer in the 2022 Rule 5 draft, adding him to the 40-man roster along with pitchers Grayson Rodriguez, Drew Rom, and Seth Johnson and shortstop Joey Ortiz. The other four were expected selections, but Denoyer, who went undrafted, was a surprise addition after posting a 2.89 ERA and 0.935 WHIP in 21 games covering 71 2/3 innings across three levels of the system, averaging 12.4 strikeouts per nine innings. Opponents hit just .194 against him.
Denoyer also pitched in the Arizona Fall League and started in the Fall Stars Game, but he registered a 5.61 ERA and 1.714 WHIP in 25 games with Norfolk in 2023. He was outrighted in June and underwent Tommy John surgery in September that cost him the 2024 season. The Orioles released him in March 2025.
Originally reported by masnsports.