MASN’s Roch Kubatko reported earlier this week that the Orioles maintain interest in free agent outfielder Denard Span, but due to concerns about his durability, the club isn’t willing to commit beyond one year.
The Nationals did not make a $15.8 million qualifying offer to Span, which means that he does not come attached with draft pick compensation. That makes him a bit more attractive in a free agent market that remains flush with outfielders. Alex Gordon, Justin Upton, Yoenis Cespedes, and Dexter Fowler remain unsigned, so Span’s market may take shape once those names are off the board.
Span, 31, suffered a torn labrum in his hip and underwent surgery in August, ending his season prematurely. He finished with solid numbers in his limited playing time, batting .301/.365/.431 with five home runs, 22 RBI, 38 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases in as many opportunities across 275 plate appearances.