Report: Orioles, Lynn have engaged in discussions
It's the time of year when the Baltimore Orioles usually start looking for free-agent bargains on the open market, but it appears they might be targeting one of the more prominent starting pitchers available, too.
Baltimore engaged in discussions with right-hander Lance Lynn last week, according to sources of The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, although talks have not yet advanced to a serious stage.
The Orioles are in the market for at least two starting pitchers, and have also been linked to Andrew Cashner, Jason Vargas, and Chris Tillman, Rosenthal adds, citing sources and reports.
As it stands, Baltimore would be heading into 2018 with an inexperienced rotation, as the team's projected No. 3, 4, and 5 starters combined to make just five starts last season.
Projected Rotation - 2017 Stats
| PITCHER | GS | IP | ERA | WHIP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dylan Bundy | 28 | 169.2 | 4.24 | 1.20 | 152 |
| Kevin Gausman | 34 | 186.2 | 4.68 | 1.50 | 179 |
| Gabriel Ynoa | 4 | 34.2 | 4.15 | 1.36 | 26 |
| Mike Wright | 0 | 25 | 5.76 | 1.32 | 28 |
| Miguel Castro | 1 | 66.1 | 3.53 | 1.22 | 38 |
**Roster projection courtesy of Roster Resource**
The addition of a six-year veteran such as Lynn would boost the rotation and give the Orioles a better chance of competing in what's expected to be a tough American League East.
Lynn, 30, was 11-8 with a 3.43 ERA in 33 starts last season - his first full campaign since undergoing Tommy John surgery.
The veteran is a one-time All-Star who's also received interest from the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Angels, and Milwaukee Brewers, according to reports.