After losing Nelson Cruz to the Seattle Mariners and Nick Markakis to the Atlanta Braves, the Baltimore Orioles are looking for an outfielder. They weren’t able to accomplish this goal at the Winter Meetings, but their pursuit has only intensified.
Orioles executive vice-president Dan Duquette has said that he wants to acquire a left-handed hitter and a right-handed hitter this offseason, and that the team is weighing it’s options.
Baltimore has options internally, but it’s hard to replace the production they lost with guys that are used to being role players.
One of the guys that the O’s have strong interest in is free agent Colby Rasmus, according to a report by Peter Gammons of MLB Network:
Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore Sun first reported a week ago that the team had “lukewarm” interest in the 28-year-old. The Orioles are also said to be considering Nori Aoki, Marlon Byrd, and Delmon Young.
According to Encina, the Orioles prefer Rasmus because of his ability to hit for power.
Rasmus had a down year in 2014, eventually getting benched. In 103 games he hit .225 with 18 HR, 40 RBI’s, and an OPS of .735. His best season came in 2012 when he hit 23 HR over 151 games. In 2013 he hit 22 HR.
His power would fit perfectly in Camden Yards, and he would get the chance to play on a winning team, and build back some value. This would be a great fit for both sides, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets done soon.
The Cubs have also shown interest in Rasmus per Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.
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