The Atlanta Braves are “keeping a close eye on” Zach Eflin of the Tampa Bay Rays as a potential trade target at the trade deadline, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The Braves need rotation help as their ace Spencer Strider is out for the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery.
Today, the Rays placed Zach Eflin on the injured list. That could take away some interest by the Braves, but they’re still definitely going to look into trading for Eflin. Especially if he heals up and is back to 100% by the trade deadline.
Zach Eflin would be a perfect pitcher to go after for the Braves. He has just one-year left on his contract and a total of $18 million.
2024 has been an up and down year for Eflin. He has had a lot of rough luck. Through 10 starts, Eflin has a 3-4 record, 4.12 ERA, 44 SO, and a 1.17 WHIP. Eflin has had a ton of control on the mound as he has an outstanding 1.6% walk rate. He certainly has the command down.
The Rays have played a total of 48 games. They currently sit at 25-23 and in 3rd place in the American League East division. It may seem that they are still in it, they are, but it’s gonna be tougher to make a run at the division due to the fact that they are in one of the hardest divisions in all of baseball.
The Rays are a team who always looks to cut down on their payroll. Trading a guy like Zach Eflin would be a perfect world for the Rays. They always find ways to make good trades, so it would most definitely make sense for them to trade Eflin. Especially because it would help reduce their payroll for this season and next season.
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