After losing left-hander Wei-Yin Chen in free agency, the Orioles’ starting rotation is a big question mark. As of now, they could be looking at a group including Chris Tillman, Kevin Gausman, Miguel Gonzalez, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Vance Worley. Doesn’t exactly scream AL East favorites. The club picked up some depth today by acquiring Odrisamer Despaigne from the Padres, but they might not be done making moves.
According to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, the Orioles still have interest in free agent right-hander Yovani Gallardo. The market hasn’t been kind to him, as he’s attached to draft pick compensation. And this is a big deal for Baltimore, who are set to pick 14th overall in this year’s draft. Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette has gone on record saying he’s reluctant to give up the pick, but Rosenthal writes that Gallardo’s price tag could drop to a point where they’d be willing to make a deal.
Gallardo, who turns 30 later this month, is coming off a career-low 3.42 ERA over 33 starts with the Rangers. That’s an impressive accomplishment considering the hitter-friendly environment, but his declining strikeout rate is surely another factor in why he’s still looking for a home in early February.
Strikeout percentage:
2012: 23.7 percent
2013: 18.6 percent
2014: 17.9 percent
2015: 15.3 percent
The Astros and Rockies were mentioned as possibilities for Gallardo last month, but it’s safe to say the Doug Fister signing takes Houston out of the mix.