Report: Orioles 'still pursuing' Gallardo, Kazmir
The Baltimore Orioles have made several moves throughout the offseason thus far, including re-signing right-hander Darren O'Day, and holding on to catcher Matt Wieters after he accepted a qualifying offer. However, with no traction being gained on contracts for free agents Chris Davis and Wei-Yin Chen, the team has reportedly set their sights on different targets.
Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports the Orioles are still pursuing pitchers Yovani Gallardo and Scott Kazmir.
Baltimore has shown interest in Gallardo since November, and have been in the running for Kazmir's services alongside a number of clubs.
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports lists the Orioles, Washington Nationals, and Kansas City Royals among the teams looking at Kazmir.
After the Orioles finished 18th across baseball in ERA (4.05) and 25th in innings pitched (1434.2), general manager Dan Duquette expressed a desire to add a starter to the top of the team's rotation. Both Gallardo and Kazmir fit the bill for Baltimore, after they each posted some of the best numbers of their careers last season.
2015 STATS
| PITCHER | IP | ERA | WHIP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yovani Gallardo | 184.1 | 3.42 | 1.42 | 121 |
| Scott Kazmir | 183 | 3.10 | 1.21 | 155 |
Chen, Ubaldo Jimenez, Chris Tillman, Miguel Gonzalez, Kevin Gausman, Bud Norris, Mike Wright, and Tyler Wilson all made starts for the Orioles last season.