Baltimore Orioles: Yovanni Gallardo Future Oriole?

Oct 8, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo throws a pitch in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game one of the ALDS at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Fred Thornhill-Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

Could Yovani Gallardo be a possible fit for the Baltimore Orioles?

According to Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore Sun, the Baltimore Orioles have spoken with the representatives of Yovani Gallardo to show their interest in the right-hander. Encina believes that it is way too early in the process for there to be movement made. Also, Gallardo’s agent thinks that it will take time for his market to develop.

Encina also adds:

More from Baltimore Orioles

"“We learned yesterday that the Orioles have expressed interest in free-agent right-hander Yovani Gallardo. There haven’t been any negotiations with Gallardo — that should start to pick up in the upcoming weeks — but he’s the Orioles’ first known starting pitching target.Gallardo, 29, could command a four-year deal, and the Orioles have only given one of those out to a free-agent starting pitcher. That was the four-year, $50 million deal that Ubaldo Jimenez signed before the 2014 season.”"

Depending on if the Orioles can get multiple compensation picks, they will sign more free agents who have a compensatory pick attached to their signing. The Orioles did this in 2014 where they signed Jimenez and Nelson Cruz. These two signings helped to propel the Orioles to the ALCS.

Gallardo pitched 184.1 innings, had a 13-11 win/loss record, 121 strikeouts, a 1.42 ERA, and a 3.42 ERA. His numbers were solid last year, however, there are a few questions to be asked: Can he repeat his 2015 campaign in the hitter-friendly Camden Yards? Will he be worth giving up a first round pick for? Lastly, will he give the Orioles the best chance to win every five days, with the ball in his hand? We shall see…

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