Mariners land Gallardo, OF Smith to O's
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — Jan 8, 2017
Smith is due $7 million in 2017 and can become a free agent after the season.
The Mariners had been shopping Smith for some time as the desire has been to get youngsters Ben Gamel and Mitch Haniger significant time in the outfield. With Gallardo out of the picture, the Orioles could start the season with a rotation of: Chris Tillman, Kevin Gausman, Dylan Bundy, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Wade Miley. Gallardo had 118 innings in 23 starts for the O's, with 85 Ks, 61 walks, and a 5.42 ERA.
"Gallardo gives us the veteran presence that we have been searching for", he said, per the team's official Twitter account.
Last season, Smith appeared in 137 games and had 16 home runs and a career-high 63 RBIs.
"After examining the free agent and trade market, Yovani is the best fit for our club as we move forward this off-season". During the last three seasons combined including the 2016 season, Smith recorded 40 home runs along with 153 RBI meaning that he does have good odds of replicating his success of those three years during the coming season. With Adam Jones and Hyun-Soo Kim already in the fold, the Orioles could possess a disgusting outfield defence yet again, and the Blue Jays will definitely possess an advantage in this regard.
Baltimore general manager Dan Duquette said that Seth Smith brings leadership, experience as well an accomplished bat to the team.
Smith's addition doesn't necessarily preclude the Orioles from re-signing Trumbo, who could also play right field against left-handers as well as designated hitter against right-handers, while rookie Trey Mancini serves as the DH against lefties. Gallardo's contract has an $11 million salary this year and includes a $13 million team option for 2018 with a $2 million buyout. He missed almost two month - April 23 to June 18 - because of tendinitis in the biceps of his right shoulder.
Last offseason, the Orioles acquired Trumbo in a trade with the Mariners in exchange for backup catcher Steve Clevenger, a move that ended up being lopsided when Trumbo led the majors with 47 homers.
