Phillies’ 7-Year Veteran Celebrates Rare MLB Feat With New Team

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zach Eflin, a 7-year veteran of the team, has officially reached a rare MLB milestone by amassing ten years of Major League Baseball service time. This noteworthy achievement was officially announced by the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) on social media. The milestone is particularly significant due to the combination of talent, health, and resilience required to maintain a decade-long career in professional baseball.

Eflin was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in the first round of the 2012 draft and made his debut with the Phillies four years later. During his tenure with the Phillies, Eflin spent the first seven seasons of his career in Philadelphia before moving on to the Tampa Bay Rays and later the Baltimore Orioles. The Florida native has pitched over 200 games and has accumulated more than 900 strikeouts throughout his career.

Eflin's journey to this milestone was marked by transformation and resilience. His development in the Phillies' system led him to shift his approach from overpowering hitters to focusing on his sinker and curveball. This change proved instrumental as he became a more effective major league starter. In 2020, Eflin posted a 3.97 ERA and 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings, solidifying his status as a dependable pitcher for the Phillies.

Despite facing setbacks, including a season-ending knee surgery in 2021, Eflin ultimately became an important part of the Phillies' 2022 postseason bullpen, posting a 3.38 ERA across 10 and two-thirds playoff innings. Following the 2022 season, Eflin left Philadelphia for the Tampa Bay Rays and signed a three-year, $40 million contract. Now, more than a decade after being drafted, the former Phillies pitcher has reached one of baseball's most exclusive career milestones.