MLB Rumors: Baltimore Orioles remain in contact with key free agents

Aug 4, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz (17) warms up in the on deck circle against the Oakland Athletics in the sixth inning at O.Co Coliseum. The Rangers defeated the Athletics 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Baltimore Orioles are currently trying to decide on which free agent(s) they’re going to make a move on. They’ve been linked to free agent veteran A.J. Burnett who recently announced that he will continue his playing career in 2014.

But what surprises me, is that outfielder Nelson Cruz is still available. I thought for sure he would have been picked up within the first month but nothing has been thrown his way yet. I’m sure offers have been placed on the table, but something has to give eventually.

That outfield for the Orioles would be deadly if they were to add Cruz to their lineup. They already have Adam Jones in center and Nick Markakis in right, throwing Cruz in left could give them exactly what they need to reach the next level.

Now according to Ken Rosenthal on Twitter, the Orioles have remained in contact with three key free agents. If you guessed Nelson Cruz to be the second after A.J. Burnett, you’re a winner. The last guy is reliever Fernando Rodney.

Sources: #Orioles remain in contact with agents for N. Cruz, Burnett, Rodney. Also could play on Santana or Jimenez if they fail on Burnett.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 31, 2014

Right now their pay roll sits at around $85 million. They could stretch to $100 million by adding a couple more pieces. With Spring Training just around the corner, the Baltimore Orioles will be looking to add some serious talent to their roster in hopes of stealing the division away from the Boston Red Sox.

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