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Report: Orioles agree to terms with Rey Navarro on major-league contract

RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP / Getty

The Baltimore Orioles bolstered the left side of their infield Saturday, reportedly beating out several teams to land the services of minor-league free agent Rey Navarro.

Roch Kubatko of MASN reports the Orioles secured the switch-hitting shortstop with a major-league contract after the speedy Puerto Rican drew interest from a number of clubs, including the New York Yankees. The deal is contingent on Navarro passing a physical, according to Kubatko.

Scouts describe the former Cincinnati Reds minor leaguer as a plus defender with developing power and exceptional range at shortstop. He appears to be stronger from the left side of the plate, posting superior numbers against right-handed pitching the last few seasons.

Navarro slashed .282/.343/.435 with 34 doubles and 12 homers in 132 games combined for the Reds' Double-A and Triple-A affiliates in 2014.

The 24-year-old Navarro is expected to serve as a backup to starting shortstop J.J. Hardy and could also be used around the diamond in an infield utility role. Navarro has spent the majority of his time at short, but has 320 games of experience at second base and nearly 100 at third over his minor-league career.

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