Phillies

Good for Zach Eflin, who Signs the Biggest Free Agent Contract in Rays’ History

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Dec 2nd, 2022 · 8:58 AM EST

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After the World Series, Zach Eflin opted out of his half of a $15 million mutual option, and it worked out for him:

The Tampa Bay Rays are signing RHP Zach Eflin to a 3-year, $40M deal.

per @JeffPassan and @Joelsherman1 pic.twitter.com/G5yHkXZnkI

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 2, 2022

First thought? That’s a LOT of money for a guy with spotty injury history. Second thought? That’s not your typical Tampa Bay type of move. Eflin is now the highest-paid player on the team:

Free agent starter Zach Eflin gets 3 years, $40 million contract from the #Rays. It’s the biggest free agent contract in #Rays’ history

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 2, 2022

It’s funny, but not surprising. Guys like Manuel Margot and Brandon Lowe are making less than seven million a year. Even in 2022, Corey Kluber was the only guy they had making eight figures. This signals a shift in philosophy from the Rays, who were historically on the low end of MLB spending, usually landing somewhere in the mid-20s for team spending.

Eflin is a good dude though, one of the longest-tenured guys on the team. He had been through a lot of shit. A lot of losing, a lot of injuries. For him to get healthy and contribute as a reliever this past season? That was nice to see. Guy deserves the money, and he gets to play close to home now.

Appreciate everything Zach Eflin did for the Phillies organization, from the front of a rebuild all the way to a World Series

Get your money, Zachpic.twitter.com/enzRia9FZX

— Life of a Philly Fan (@PhillyFanLife) December 2, 2022