Report: Orioles have 'expressed interest' in Padres' Justin Upton
Baltimore Orioles general manager Dan Duquette could finally land the impact outfielder he failed to acquire in the offseason.
The Orioles have "expressed interest" in making a trade for San Diego Padres outfielder Justin Upton, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports.
Duquette failed to appropriately replace the losses of Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz, with the Orioles currently deploying Chris Davis and Travis Snider in the corner outfield.
The Padres are expected to be sellers at the deadline, and Upton's impending free agency makes him one of the most likely players to be dealt prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
Upton, an All-Star for the third time this season, is hitting .252/.331/.426 with 15 home runs, 49 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases through 89 games.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports added that the Orioles are also among the teams that have inquired about Carlos Gomez of the Milwaukee Brewers.
It was reported earlier this week that the Brewers are willing to part ways with the 29-year-old, who is under contract through next season for $9 million. Gomez is hitting .267/.322/.439 with eight home runs, 18 doubles and seven stolen bases while playing center field.
The Orioles sit four games back of the division-leading New York Yankees and three back of the second wild card.