The Baltimore Orioles have had an explosive offseason by overhauling their roster, making it go from mediocre to a true contender. However, making one more move might be the smartest thing they can do.
While the O’s are connected to superstar ace Framber Valdez, there’s a chance they might not get him. Fansided’s Robert Murray believes they should have a backup plan, that being signing All-Star and former Cy Young candidate Zac Gallen.
“The Orioles are looking for another starting pitcher and have been connected to Valdez, though I don’t believe anything is close there. Gallen would be a strong alternative. He’s a leader, only 30 years old, and would be a quality option potentially on a short-term contract that would allow him to retest the market soon. Adding Gallen in an offseason that’s already netted Pete Alonso, Shane Baz, Taylor Ward and others … would be pretty, pretty good for Mike Elias,” Murray wrote.
This past season, Gallen posted a 13-15 record, a 4.83 ERA, 175 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.260 over 192 innings pitched. Although, he’s only two seasons removed from when he was third place for the Cy Young, where he pitched in 34 games, including a shutout, and posted a record of 17-9, an ERA of 3.47, 220 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.119 in 210 innings pitched. If the O’s can figure out how to make him do that again, they’ll be a real problem in the American League.
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Gallen would also be very cost-effective, as he’s projected to receive a four-year, $74 million deal, and with his quiet market, Baltimore could get him for a better bargain.
Hopefully, the O’s land Valdez, but keeping this in their back pocket and acting on it if they have to could be the perfect move.
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