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Baltimore Orioles: Five Possible Offseason Outfield Additions

By Ben Palmer

Jul 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones (10), left fielder Hyun Soo Kim (25) and right fielder Mark Trumbo (45) head in from the outfield after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in14th innings at Dodger Stadium. Orioles won 6-4 in the 14th inning. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones (10), left fielder Hyun Soo Kim (25) and right fielder Mark Trumbo (45) head in from the outfield after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in14th innings at Dodger Stadium. Orioles won 6-4 in the 14th inning. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 7, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Ian Desmond (20) hits an RBI sacrifice ground ball against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning of game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Ian Desmond (20) hits an RBI sacrifice ground ball against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning of game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Ian Desmond

We’ve already mentioned how the Orioles are pursuing former-Texas Ranger Ian Desmond, and he could fit pretty well in Baltimore. Desmond’s stock took a hit during his final year as a member of the Washington Nationals as he struggled the entire season, but his season with the Rangers was a complete 180 for him.

The Rangers converted him from a shortstop to an outfielder, and Desmond had one of the best years of his career, batting .285/.335/.446 with 22 HRs, 107 R, 86 RBIs and 21 SBs, and going 20/20 for the fourth time in five years.

Desmond’s defensive capabilities were average last year, capable enough that you kept him out there, and his offense was superb. Desmond would give the Baltimore Orioles good power and excellent speed, the latter of which is something they’ve been seriously lacking over the years.

While Desmond may strike out a lot (a trait that seems to be a requirement of being on the Orioles), when he makes contact, he hits it hard, hitting to a 30.3% hard hit rate last year.

The problem is, if the Orioles don’t think they can afford Mark Trumbo, then Ian Desmond might be just as difficult to acquire, as both players will likely command something in the $13-15M/year range. But if the Orioles are willing to spend the money, and they don’t get or go after Trumbo, Ian Desmond would be an excellent addition.

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