Orioles trade Gallardo to Mariners for Smith
The Baltimore Orioles have traded right-hander Yovani Gallardo and cash to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for outfielder Seth Smith.
In his lone season with the Orioles, Gallardo struggled as he was marred by injuries. Despite the off-year, he should step into the vacancy in the Mariners' rotation created by Taijuan Walker, who was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in November.
“Gallardo gives us the veteran presence that we have been searching for,” Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a release. “He has a track record of durability and success as a starting pitcher. After examining the free agent and trade market, Yovani is the best fit for our club as we move forward this offseason.”
Over his 10-year career, Gallardo owns a 3.79 ERA. He spent the first eight years with the Milwaukee Brewers, the 2015 season with the Texas Rangers, and last year with Baltimore.
In 2016, he went 6-8 with a 5.42 ERA over 118 innings of work.
Heading to Baltimore, Smith likely won't produce nearly as much as Mark Trumbo did last season for the Orioles, but he'll bring veteran leadership and pop to the lineup.
Last season, his 10th in the majors, Smith slashed .249/.342/.415 with 16 homers and 63 RBIs over 137 games.
"Seth Smith is a veteran leader, good on-base man and proven hitter," Orioles general manager Dan Duquette said, according to the Baltimore Sun's Eduardo A. Encina. "We look forward to his contributions to the 2017 Orioles."
The trade will also save the Orioles roughly $4 million in salary.