Orioles Rumors: Orioles interested in Josh Reddick & Ian Desmond
The Baltimore Orioles can’t afford to sign a big money free agent this year, which may include Mark Trumbo. So this offseason, they’re showing interest in some cheaper alternatives.
After going on a spending spree last offseason, the Baltimore Orioles are strapped for cash, especially since they have $98 Million committed to payroll next season. That’s why they have to approach this offseason differently if they want to fill the holes on the team.
The Orioles currently have a need for a corner outfielder with power. And while there might be some alternatives on the trade market, they can easily find a cheap alternative in the free agent market.
But, who?
According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, the Orioles are interested in pursuing free-agent outfielder Josh Reddick.
And why are the Orioles interested in Reddick, you ask?
Reddick has a 1.167 OPS in 83 at-bats at Camden Yards. Reddick’s OPS is the most for any player at any Major League Baseball park.
He played 115 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Oakland Athletics in 2016, hitting .281/.345/.405 with 10 homers and 37 RBI. Reddick could be a cheap alternative to Mark Trumbo, who is one of the most sought outfielders on the free agent market. The Orioles are aware they might not be able to afford Trumbo. But they were previously attempting to work out a deal before their exclusive window ran out.
If the Orioles aren’t able to sign Reddick, they also have a backup plan; Ian Desmond.
Desmond hit .285/.335/.446 with 22 home runs and 86 RBI with the Texas Rangers. His numbers were good enough ensure a spot on the 2016 All-Star roster.
Desmond might come with more of a price tag than Reddick, but the Orioles have two options if they’re unable to retain Trumbo.
Not to mention the Orioles always could call Yankees GM Brian Cashman and ponder about outfielder Brett Gardner‘s asking price.
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However, it seems more likely the Orioles are going to venture to the free agent market, especially since the Yankees aren’t interested in dealing their Gold Glove winning outfielder.
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