MLB Rumors: Yovani Gallardo will decide between Orioles, Astros, Rockies
Free agent starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo has reportedly narrowed his choices down to the Orioles, Astros, and Rockies
Free agent pitcher Yovani Gallardo hasn’t signed a contract with a team yet, largely due to him turning down his qualifying offer from the Texas Rangers. Teams have been unwilling to give up a first round pick to sign Gallardo, who has been inconsistent during his career. However, he has reportedly narrowed down his choices to three teams.
Source: Barring the late entry of a mystery team, Yovani Gallardo will decide between Astros, Orioles, Rockies.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 22, 2016
The mystery team could be anyone, and it would most likely be a club with a top 10 draft pick because that would be protected. That means that the team would only have to give up a second round pick (or next best draft pick) to sign him. Hence why he makes since for the Colorado Rockies, who surrender their second round pick. The Rockies are looking to upgrade their rotation and Gallardo would help them do just that.
The Houston Astros are looking to add to their rotation and they have a deep enough farm system that they would likely not value a first round pick nearly as highly as other teams. He would slot in nicely as their number three or number four starter. Since that’s precisely what Gallardo is, it also makes a ton of sense for the Astros to sign him.
The Baltimore Orioles need pitching the most of the three teams. However, they have also been on record saying that they don’t want to give up their first round pick.