Baltimore Orioles Interested In Outfielder Jarrod Dyson
By Ben Palmer
The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly interested in acquiring Kansas City Royals outfielder Jarrod Dyson. Dyson is 32 years old and has proven himself to be an asset on the basepaths.
It seems like if you’re an outfielder in the major leagues (and not named Jose Bautista), then the Baltimore Orioles are probably interested in acquiring you somehow. The latest player the Orioles are inquiring about is Kansas City Royals outfielder Jarrod Dyson, per Jon Heyman.
Speed is something that has been in horribly short supply in Baltimore over the past few years. In fact, the Orioles last year stole a league-worst 19 bases, and if there’s one thing that Jarrod Dyson does, it’s steal bases.
The 32-year-old has never played a full season for the Royals, but has played a significant number of at-bats and proven himself to be a worthwhile player. Last season, Dyson hit .278/.340/.388 with 1 HR, 46 R, 25 RBIs and 30 SBs in just 299 at-bats.
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While Dyson has absolutely no power, similar to players like Ben Revere and Billy Hamilton who have comparable skill sets, he makes up for it with incredible speed and excellent defense. Dyson has stolen at least 30 bases in four of the last five seasons, all in less than 300 at bats each year. Extend him out to 500 at bats and he might break 40-50 stolen bases.
Dyson has also proven himself to be a great defender, logging a 3.1 fWAR last season. Dyson only has one year left on his contract, but is fortunately, only owed $1.7M next year, so he’s a very affordable option for the Orioles who fills a major need for the team.
Acquiring a speed seems to be something the Baltimore Orioles are interested in, and for good reason. Earlier, they asked the Atlanta Braves for outfielder Mallex Smith in exchange for Brad Brach, but Atlanta felt the price was too high (which makes me sad because Smith would’ve been an amazing addition to the team. Think Billy Hamilton, but a better average).
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It’s unclear what the Royals are asking for in exchange for Hamilton, but it would likely be a reliever, as the team just recently traded closer Wade Davis. Dyson would be an interesting player in Baltimore, but as of now, he’s just another outfielder to add to the growing list of players on the Orioles radar.