Baltimore Orioles interested in reunion with L.J. Hoes
The Baltimore Orioles are on the hunt for outfield help, and MASN Sports’ Roch Kubatko reports that the team could be interested in a reunion with free agent L.J. Hoes.
Hoes was once a highly-regarded outfield prospect with the Orioles, and earned brief call-ups in 2012 and 2013. He played just one game for Baltimore during his 2013 call-up, however, before being traded to the Houston Astros in a trade for pitcher Bud Norris.
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Hoes has a successful stretch after going to Houston in 2013, hitting .287 in 46 games with seven doubles, two triples, a homer and seven stolen bases. The 25-year-old struggled in 2014, however, hitting .172 in 55 games, and has since spent the majority of his time at AAA.
The Orioles reportedly have their sights set on some higher-profile outfield acquisitions, namely Jay Bruce and Nick Markakis, though Hoes would represent a quality depth signing that could compete for playing time if Baltimore fails to add a bigger name. Hoes was previously a third-round pick by the Orioles in 2008, and came up as a second baseman, so he could also provide infield depth and speed off the bench even if he doesn’t end up with a starting job.
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There aren’t any reports out there mentioning serious discussions between the two parties, but Kubatko reports that ex-Oriole teammates and front office personnel alike want to bring the outfielder back to Baltimore. Hoes is a native of the Washington D.C. area, and was drafted by the Orioles out of St. John’s High School in the nation’s capital.