Yovani Gallardo, the best remaining starting pitcher on the free agent market, still hasn’t found a home. It’s looking more and more like he will find one this week, though. The key team he has been in contact with is the Baltimore Orioles.
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Reportedly, the two sides are talking about a three-year deal in the $40-45 million range. Despite the up-and-down nature of his last three seasons, Gallardo is worth every penny of a potential three-year, $45 million deal. Pitching is at a premium right now and Baltimore doesn’t have a ton of it.
In 2015, Gallardo had a great bounce-back season, going 13-11 with a 3.42 ERA. At just 29 years old, he figures to have at least three good years left in him. His talents would best be put to use in Baltimore.
Right now, this is what the Orioles starting rotation looks like:
Gallardo would instantly become the ace of that staff. While he certainly wouldn’t be an ace on most teams, he would be the best pitcher on the Orioles’ staff right away. He would give them depth they wouldn’t otherwise have.
With the rest of the AL East looking solid, especially the much-improved Red Sox, Baltimore needs to make a splash before pitchers and catchers report to training camp. It certainly appears they’re ready to sign Gallardo, but haven’t done so yet.
If they want any chance of reaching the postseason in 2016, they will pull the trigger on the deal sooner rather than later.