Rosenthal: O's progressing with Yovani Gallardo, also eyeing Dexter Fowler
The Baltimore Orioles are making progress in talks with free-agent right-hander Yovani Gallardo, FOX Sports MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal reports.
Sources: #Orioles making progress on Gallardo.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 10, 2016
Source confirms: #Orioles, Gallardo talking three-year deal, as @JonHeyman reported.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 10, 2016
Because Gallardo rejected the Texas Rangers' qualifying offer (one year, $15.8 million) for the 2016 season, any team that signs Gallardo must send the Rangers a draft pick -- the 14th overall -- as compensation. That has been the holdup for Gallardo, as well as for free agents Dexter Fowler and Ian Desmond -- all of whom remained unsigned with just over a week before spring training camps open.
And speaking of Fowler:
Sources: Fowler possible for #Orioles if they complete Gallardo deal. Would be willing to part with second pick, currently No. 29.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 10, 2016
Gallardo, 29, went 13-11 with a 3.42 ERA in 33 starts for Texas last season. He struck out 121 batters in 184 1/3 innings. In his nine-season major-league career, he is 102-75 with a 3.66 ERA and an 8.2 K/9 ratio.
After re-signing free-agent slugger Chris Davis, the Orioles still need rotation help because of the loss of left-hander Wei-Yin Chen in free agency. Baltimore's rotation finished last season with a 4.53 ERA, which ranked 25th in the majors.
Fowler would address Baltimore's outfield need and also provide a leadoff candidate. In 156 games for the Cubs last season, he hit .250/.346/.411 with 17 homers, 46 RBI, eight triples and 20 stolen bases.
