Rays finalize Zach Eflin’s $40 million, 3-year contract

By MARK DIDTLER The Associated Press

FILE - Philadelphia Phillies' Zach Eflin pitches during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, April 26, 2022, in Philadelphia. Eflin has agreed to join the Tampa Bay Rays on a three-year, $40 million contract that’s the largest the club has ever awarded in free agency, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Matt Slocum]

ST. PETERSBURG., Fla. (AP) — The Rays finalized Zach Eflin’s $40 million, three-year contract on Tuesday, the largest deal for a free agent in Tampa Bay history. The former Philadelphia Phillies right-hander will make $11 million next season, $11 million in 2024 and $18 million in 2025. It’s the largest Tampa Bay has ever awarded in free agency. Eflin, who spent portions of seven seasons with the Phillies, joins a rotation that includes All-Star lefty Shane McClanahan, and right-handers Tyler Glasnow and Drew Rasmussen. The 28-year-old began last season as a starter but was shut down after pitching on June 25 due to right knee soreness and returned on Sept. 14 as a reliever..