5 bats the Orioles could add after acquiring Smith
The Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners made the first big move of 2017 when they swapped Yovani Gallardo for Seth Smith on Friday.
For the Mariners, the move was simple - it cements the fact they're trying to win a World Series in 2017. While Gallardo isn't a premier pitcher, Seattle is banking on the idea that he had an off year and can still be serviceable if he returns to his old self.
The addition of Smith means Baltimore has filled its hole in the outfield, and further exposes their need for a designated hitter. Here's a look at five players Baltimore could go after to shore up the batting order:
Jose Bautista
Although his market clearly isn't what he thought it would be, Jose Bautista would fill a tremendous need for the Orioles. The slugger could be the full-time designated hitter and would also be able to shuffle into a platoon outfield job. The only problem is Orioles fans don't like him, but that's not a very convincing reason for saying "no" to a potential 30-home-run hitter.
Mark Trumbo
It took Mark Trumbo some time to find his All-Star groove again, but he did just that in Baltimore last season. Trumbo slugged a career-high 47 homers over 159 games, garnering an All-Star nod and Silver Slugger Award. Should he re-sign in Baltimore, he'll be able to be a full-time designated hitter, allowing him to do what he does best without having to worry about running around in the outfield.
Mike Napoli
After talks broke down between Mike Napoli and the Cleveland Indians, any chance of him re-signing went out the window when the club dropped serious money to land Edwin Encarnacion. Napoli is familiar with the American League East, having served with the Boston Red Sox, and he's coming off a supremely productive season where he notched career highs of 34 homers, 101 RBIs, and 133 hits. He could serve as DH, but also flip time with Chris Davis at first base.
Brandon Moss
In a right-handed-heavy Orioles lineup, Brandon Moss could be a sleeper signing for the club, and it may be able to get him cheap. Moss cranked 28 homers last season with the St. Louis Cardinals, and would be a solid left-handed option for Baltimore.
Chris Carter
Fun fact: Chris Davis led the majors with 219 strikeouts in 2016. Who finished second? Chris Carter. Side by side, the two hitters are seemingly identical: Davis batted .221 with 38 homers and 219 strikeouts, while Carter batted .222 with 41 homers and 206 strikeouts. Sure, the Orioles are potentially looking at 400 strikeouts between them, but there's also a chance they could combine for 80 home runs.