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Report: Orioles have engaged in trade talks for Dodgers' Ethier

Robert Hanashiro / USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly discussed a trade involving outfielder Andre Ethier.

Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports that talks between the two clubs have indeed taken place - though it's unclear how far those discussions have advanced. Ethier is guaranteed at least $56 million over the next three seasons, and the Dodgers have previously expressed a willingness to absorb salary in any trade involving one of their high-priced outfielders. 

Last month, the club dealt Matt Kemp to the San Diego Padres and agreed to foot $32 million of the $107 million remaining on the All-Star slugger's contract. Baltimore was believed to have kicked the tires on Kemp after losing both Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz to free agency this offseason.

Ethier has experienced a marked decline in power during recent seasons, hitting just 16 homers since the beginning of 2013 after averaging 21 over a five-year period between 2008-2012. The 32-year-old failed to homer in 93 second-half plate appearances in 2014.

His inability to hit lefties has been particularly concerning for a player in his tax bracket. Ethier's career slash line against southpaws is .235/.294/.348 (57 OPS+).

Kubatko notes that it's unlikely the Orioles would trade for Ethier given his contract, which includes a vesting option for 2018 valued at $17.5 million ($2.5 million buyout). Ethier's option is triggered with 550 plate appearances in 2017 or a combined 1,100 PAs in 2017-18.

The Orioles have also reportedly shown interest in free-agent outfielders Colby Rasmus and Nori Aoki.

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