According to a report from Ken Rosenthal that was confirmed by Roch Kubatko, Dexter Fowler is a possibility for the Orioles if Baltimore signs RHP Yovani Gallardo.
Rosenthal reported Wednesday afternoon Dan Duquette would be willing to part with the Orioles second pick in the draft, currently No. 29, to sign Fowler if the team forfeits its first round pick to land Gallardo.
Signing Pedro Alvarez and a trade with the Reds for Jay Bruce are other options the Orioles are exploring. The Orioles are not believed to have the prospect currency to acquire Bruce.
The Orioles and RHP Yovani Gallardo are closing in on a three-year contract according to multiple reports. The two sides are optimistic a deal will get done according to Chris Cotillo. And Jerry Crasnick tweeted talks are “gaining momentum” between the Orioles and Gallardo. The deal, according to Crasnick, needs “some tweaks to get across the finish line.”
Jon Heyman indicated a deal with Gallardo could be for three guaranteed years and could include an opt-out.
Jim Bowden reported Tuesday that the Orioles were checking Gallardo’s medicals and appeared to be closing in on an agreement.
If the Orioles sign Dexter Fowler he would move to a corner spot, likely left field, with Adam Jones in center field.
The Rangers and White Sox are also interested in Fowler. Jon Daniels sees a fit for him in the outfield because he would give the Rangers insurance for Josh Hamilton missing time due to injury this season.
Buster Olney reported Wednesday that executives he’s talked to about Dexter Fowler think it will be “very difficult” for him to get “more than the two-year, $20 million deal that Howie Kendrick got from the Dodgers.”
Will update this report as additional information becomes available …
Updated 4:47pm CST – According to Buster Olney, the Orioles have had “at least informal conversation” with Fowler “as they prepare for a possible signing.”
Updated 5:13pm CST – According to Buster Olney, the Orioles are looking at Fowler in the two-year, $20 million contract h reported earlier in the day. And Gallardo is “expected that is and when the Orioles’ deal with Gallardo is finished, it will be a three-year deal in the ranges of $40-45 million.”