The Braves are reportedly eyeing Rays’ right-hander Zach Eflin as a potential trade target before the deadline, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
Atlanta has been on the lookout for rotation help since losing Spencer Strider to an internal brace surgery, and Eflin appears to be a strong candidate for several reasons.
Eflin has posted a solid 4.12 ERA over 10 starts and 59 innings this season and boasts an impressive 1.6% walk rate, though his strikeout rate (17.9%) and hard-hit ball rate (41.6%) are less encouraging.
Despite some concerns, the Braves are familiar with Eflin from his time with the Phillies and might not be deterred by his 2024 numbers.
Eflin’s durability could be a concern given his knee issues, but he managed 182 2/3 innings last year, including playoffs, with only a brief IL stint for a back problem.
His consistency is valuable for a Rays team also dealing with rotation injuries, even though reinforcements like Ryan Pepiot, Shane Baz, and Jeffrey Springs are expected to return in the coming months.
The Rays might consider trading Eflin if they feel confident in their recovering pitchers, despite the risk involved. Financial considerations could play a role, as Eflin is in the second year of a three-year, $40M contract with an $18M payout in 2025 and a $1M trade bonus.
Moving Eflin could help the Rays manage their payroll, similar to how they traded Tyler Glasnow to the Dodgers last winter.
For the Braves, acquiring Eflin would affect their payroll, which is nearing the third luxury tax tier. They might need to get creative to stay under the $277M threshold to avoid penalties.
Braves’ executives Alex Anthopoulos and Erik Neander might devise a trade that includes the Rays eating part of Eflin’s contract or involving a third team to balance finances and prospects.
Despite Strider’s absence, the Braves’ rotation has been strong, with a combined 3.44 ERA, 10th-best in MLB. Adding Eflin would provide a proven option as they pursue another World Series title.
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