The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly in discussions with the Philadelphia Phillies to acquire 37-year old outfielder Marlon Byrd. Byrd is due to earn $8 million in 2015, and has a vesting option for 2016.
In 154 games with the Phillies last season, Byrd hit .264/.312/.427, not far from his career line of .278/.333/.427. He slugged 25 home runs and drove in 85 runs, but struck out 185 times to go with only 35 bases on balls.
The 13-year veteran has made his rounds in the majors, playing for seven different franchises – including two separate stints with the Phillies.
Byrd tested positive for performance enhancing drugs in June 2012, and was slapped with a 50-game suspension as a result.
Some may recall back in 2011 while with the Chicago Cubs, Byrd suffered a large gash under his left eye after being hit in the face with a pitch from Alfredo Aceves of the Boston Red Sox:
Forrest Mulheron is a Boston Red Sox/MLB Correspondent for Baseball Essential
Leave a Reply