MLB Rumors: Baltimore Orioles interested in Dexter Fowler

The Baltimore Orioles have not ruled out adding outfielder Dexter Fowler even if they wind up signing Yovani Gallardo

The Baltimore Orioles have reportedly been tied to starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo and a deal is expected to be agreed upon between the two sides. Even if the Orioles wind up signing Gallardo, that doesn’t mean that they are done for the winter. According to Ken Rosenthal, the Orioles are also considering outfielder Dexter Fowler.

The Orioles are starting to make some noise recently after not doing too much work early in the offseason. They have re-signed relief pitcher Darren O’Day and first baseman Chris Davis. Catcher Matt Wieters also accepted his qualifying offer. That should shore up their lineup. However, they could also stand to upgrade at the corner outfield positions.

Currently, the Orioles have Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim penciled in to start in left field. Mark Trumbo is penciled in at right field but he has defensive concerns. Signing Dexter Fowler would allow the Orioles to have a very solid defensive outfield and let Trumbo focus on being the designated hitter.

Dexter Fowler would likely be the leadoff hitter for the O’s if he signs. Fowler had a .754 OPS last season and has a career .781 OPS, though he hasn’t had an OPS of above .781 since 2012 with the Colorado Rockies. He gets on base at a very respectable rate and provides some power that could play well at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Camden Yards is well known for being a hitter-friendly park.

The Orioles are also exploring other options, according to Rosenthal.

The Orioles are aggressively trying to upgrade their rotation and their outfield. They might even be able to do it at a reasonable price. Baltimore had a similar offseason in 2013 when they signed pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez and outfielder Nelson Cruz late in the offseason.