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Free agent decisions expected soon

Mike Zarrilli / Getty Images Sport / Getty

With just one week to go before pitchers and catchers report for spring training, the Baltimore Orioles were reportedly in pursuit of two of the top free agents still available.

Multiple reports late Wednesday indicated the Orioles were chasing a multi-year contract with right-hander Yovani Gallardo in what's believed to be a possible precursor to a second deal with outfielder Dexter Fowler. The parameters of a Orioles-Gallardo marriage was thought to be in the range of $40-45 million over three years, while the club's interest in Fowler was expected to be around $20 million for a two-year pact, sources tell Buster Olney of ESPN.

The Orioles' interest in Fowler reportedly hinges squarely on striking a deal with Gallardo, whose signing would require the Orioles to surrender their first-round pick (14th overall) in this year's draft. If the Orioles decide to forfeit their pick to sign Gallardo, reports suggest they'd be more willing to surrender their lesser-valued pick (29th overall) for a chance to add Fowler and bolster their outfield.

Free-agent slugger Pedro Alvarez and Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce also remain on Baltimore's radar, adds Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

While the Orioles decide how to proceed with Gallardo and Fowler, the international free-agent market appears to be intensifying as well.

As many as nine teams - including the Braves, Padres, and Phillies - are pursuing 16-year-old Cuban phenom Lazaro "Lazarito" Armenteros, who's believed to be nearing a decision soon on where he'll sign. Ranked No. 8 on MLB.com's top 30 international prospects list, Armenteros is reportedly seeking a $15-20-million signing bonus.

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