Baltimore Orioles Interested In Outfielder Brett Gardner

The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly interested in possibly acquiring Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, however they would want some of his contract paid down.

The Baltimore Orioles are still on the hunt for an addition to their outfield, which is one of the biggest needs the team has this offseason. One player that they believe could be a fit for the team is Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, per Jon Heyman.

One of the things that could conceivably cause a roadblock in the Orioles acquisition of Gardner is the fact that he’s currently owed $11M next season. According to Heyman, the Orioles would want some of that paid down.

Gardner is 33-years-old and was, at one point, one of the top stolen base players in the entire league. In 2010, he stole 47 bases while batting .277 and in 2011, he stole 49 bases while batting .259.

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That has gradually changed for Gardner, however, as his speed as decreased a bit, but his power has increased. It seems Gardner is more interested in being a 20/20 player than a 5 HR, 40 SB player.

Last season, Gardner batted .261/.351/.362 with 7 HRs, 80 R, 41 RBIs, and 16 SB, in what was one of the least productive seasons of his career. That being said, what Gardner contributes is something the Orioles desperately need, which is a decent average and speed.

Gardner is someone who gets on base, his walk rate last year was 11%, and his strikeout rate was only 16.7%. He spent all of last year playing left field for the Yankees but could likely play right field if the Orioles needed him to.

Gardner is left-handed, which the Orioles really need, and he has decent speed, which the Orioles desperately need. He’s a natural leadoff hitter, or would be for Baltimore.

Gardner’s 16 stolen bases last season was a career low for him in a full season, but what’s sad is he had three fewer stolen bases in his worst season than that Orioles had as a team last year.

There’s no word yet on what the Yankees would want from the Orioles, but Gardner likely wouldn’t come particularly cheap, especially if the Yankees are going to pay some of his salary.

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Gardner is under contract through 2018 and is owed $12M next season and $11M the next. He also has a $12.5M team option in 2019. Gardner’s contract might be a little rich for the cash-strapped Orioles.