The Baltimore Orioles still need to sign an outfielder to take over one of the corner spots and they're currently eyeing two free agents, both of whom are left-handed hitters.
Colby Rasmus and Nori Aoki are two options the Orioles are considering and Rasmus may be the frontrunner, according to Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports. We wrote yesterday of the team's persistent interest in Aoki, via Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, but it appears the ongoing dialogue with Rasmus could be making progress. The 28-year-old slashed .225/.287/.448 with 18 home runs and 40 RBIs in 104 games last season.
"The Orioles need a left-handed hitting outfielder who can rotate into the designated hitter slot in the lineup, which is why they've also been linked to Nori Aoki," writes Kubatko. "I get the sense that their first choice would be Rasmus if they're convinced that he's a good fit in the clubhouse."
It's probable manager Buck Showalter will want to talk to Rasmus before the team signs him because he did the same with outfielders Nelson Cruz and Delmon Young. A source told Kubatko that the Orioles don't "covet Rasmus greatly" but he's one of the few capable outfielders remaining that will fill a need for them. He's also expected to land a one-year deal between $5 million and $8 million, which is a price that appeals to the team.
As for Aoki, it was reported earlier in the offseason that the 32-year-old was seeking a three-year deal. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports believes Aoki will get two or three years for about $7 million or $8 million per season after his third successful year in the MLB. The Japanese outfielder has maintained a stat line of .287/.353/.387/.741 with the Brewers and Royals, and he'll likely perform well in a high-powered Orioles' offense.
Although Baltimore lost Cruz and Nick Markakis, they'll be returning catcher Matt Wieters and third baseman Manny Machado, who both missed most of last season with injuries. First baseman Chris Davis should bounce back from a down year after batting .196 and the emergence of Steve Pearce can help somewhat fill the power void left by Cruz.
We'll see if the Orioles come to a decision within the next week or so.
