With so many impending free agents, the Baltimore Orioles are pretty much heading back to the drawing board this offseason. However, the latest rumors suggest they are serious about their plans in free agency as they're linked to a number of big names.
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported earlier today that the O's are focused on Chris Davis, Alex Gordon, Gerardo Parra and Yovani Gallardo, all to varying degrees.
Davis is the most coveted because of his power, versatility and experience in Baltimore, having been there for the past five seasons. He has led the MLB twice in home runs during his tenure with the Orioles, including 2015, which is why his price in free agency is going to be excessive.
"The Orioles are first trying to re-sign their own Chris Davis, and as was mentioned here weeks ago, owner Peter Angelos has taken personal interest," Heyman writes. "It's interesting to see them still in the mix, as they well understand David will approach $150 million, if not beat it. But should they fail to keep Davis, they will look at other free agents. Alex Gordon is someone who also interests the Orioles, who could look at left field, right field, first base and DH coincidentally, those are four of the five positions Davis can play)."
Gordon would seemingly be part of the team's Plan B if they can't retain Davis. Gordon won't be nearly as expensive and his superior defense could be a comparable quality to Davis' power at the plate. The O's learned from last offseason that they can't let multiple integral figures (Nelson Cruz, Nick Markakis) leave without replacing them.
Keeping Parra would also align with that philosophy because Davis played a good amount of outfield. If the O's can manage to sign both Parra and Gordon, they'd have a complete outfield with Adam Jones in center field. That'd be one of the best units in the MLB.
However, Heyman says that while there have been "some suggestions" they would like to bring back Parra, "word is they weren't all impressed by him after acquiring him last summer." That could depend on the outside demand for his services because I'm sure Baltimore would be thrilled to retain him at a bargain rate.
As for the starting rotation, Wei-Yin Chen is probably gone since he's looking for a five-year, $85 million deal, according to Heyman. That's probably why they're interested in Gallardo, who had a strong year with the Texas Rangers. The right-hander rejected Texas' qualifying offer, which means the O's would have to give up their first round draft pick, but since Baltimore extended such offers to Davis and Chen, they'll at least get one back and it'll cancel out.
Heyman says the O's have reached out to Gallardo, however, he figures to have many suitors after posting a 3.42 ERA in his contract year.
It's still fairly early in the offseason and no major name has signed yet. With the Winter Meetings approaching perhaps general manager Dan Duquette has some trade scenarios in mind for other clubs.
If they strike out on all the high-profile free agents they hope to sign, there are plenty of second-tier names that would be of help and probably glad to play in Baltimore.
Nonetheless, it's reassuring to Orioles' fans that the team's ownership and front office are bracing for potential losses - something they didn't do last season and it cost them 15 wins.
