MLB Rumors: Baltimore Orioles discussing three-year deal with Yovani Gallardo
The Baltimore Orioles and starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo are reportedly discussing a three-year deal
The Baltimore Orioles have been looking to upgrade their rotation this offseason after re-signing relief pitcher Darren O’Day and first baseman Chris Davis. After losing out on multiple starting pitchers, the Orioles are reportedly closing in on a three-year deal with free agent starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo.
Gallardo, O's moving close to a deal. Talk is 3 guaranteed years (buyout also possible). Not done yet.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 10, 2016
Gallardo would be an upgrade to the current Orioles rotation. He would likely be the No. 2 or No. 3 starter in the rotation. Gallardo would join Chris Tillman, Kevin Gausman, Miguel Gonzalez, and Ubaldo Jimenez in the rotation. Tillman will likely still be the No. 1 starter even after a down year in 2015.
Gallardo has a career 3.66 ERA after having two consecutive seasons with an ERA of below 3.52. He has had success despite seeing his strikeout rate go down and his walk rate go up. Last season, he struck out a career low 5.9 batters per nine innings while walking 3.3 batters per nine innings. His strikeout-to-walk ratio was a career worst 1.78. The Orioles would be gambling on Gallardo improving those numbers and getting back to what he was with the Brewers.
Should the Orioles sign Gallardo, they will forfeit the No. 14 pick in the first round of the 2016 draft.