Yovani Gallardo, Baltimore Orioles Closing in on Deal

Former Texas Rangers pitcher Yovani Gallardo is close to an agreement with the Baltimore Orioles.

Yovani Gallardo, who spent the majority of the 2015 season as the face of the Texas Rangers starting pitching staff is starting to narrow in on a contract agreement with the Baltimore Orioles. According to Jon Heyman, the deal seems to be a three-year deal. Most projected that Gallardo would sign closer to a five-year deal. As a whole, the Orioles make sense as a team to pursue Yovani. Their starting rotation is lacking without Wei-Yen Chen and Gallardo would be able to bolster there front end of their rotation heading into the 2016 season.

Where this deal should most interest Texas Rangers fans is how Texas will be benefitted by the Gallardo signing. Because the Rangers made a qualifying offer to Yovani Gallardo, they will receive a supplemental first round draft pick in the June draft. Also if the Orioles sign Gallardo, they would have to forfeit their #14 pick in the draft which would move Texas’ first round pick from #20 to #19. Both of these would be highly beneficial for Texas as they look to continue to build their farm system.

Gallardo is approaching his 30th birthday and is one of a number of quality starting pitchers on the free agent market. Texas acquired Gallardo last year from the Brewers in exchange for cash, pitchers Corey Knebel, Marcos Diplan, and shortstop Luis Sardinas. In 2015,  Gallardo had a 3.42 ERA and a 13-11 record for the Texas Rangers in 184.1 innings pitched. Gallardo played a big role in the Rangers push to win the AL West last season. However Gallardo’s strikeout numbers and ability to outmatch hitters has been on the down swing of late and could play a role in the market for his services.

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