Texas Rangers rumors: Yovani Gallardo and the Baltimore Orioles are close to agreeing to a contract, according to multiple reports on the Tweeter. Jon Heyman says it is thought to be a three year deal, which would be significantly less than what was generally projected -- Gallardo was thought by many (including me) to be looking at a five year deal at $14-15M per year.
A couple of key points for the Rangers here...because Texas made a qualifying offer to Gallardo, they will receive a supplemental first round pick when he signs (assuming it is prior to the June draft). That pick would be around #30.
Secondly, if the Orioles sign Gallardo, they would give up the #14 pick in the June draft, which would mean the Rangers' first round pick would go from #20 overall to #19.
Gallardo was acquired (with cash) by the Rangers from the Brewers last offseason, in exchange for shortstop Luis Sardinas, reliever Corey Knebel, and righthanded pitching prospect Marcos Diplan. Gallardo had a very solid season for the Rangers, putting up a 3.42 ERA in 184.1 IP over 33 starts, and it is fair to say the Rangers likely don't win the A.L. West if they didn't trade for Gallardo.
Gallardo, who turns 30 this month, appeared poised to cash in with a big contract this offseason...however, with multiple other quality starting pitchers on the market, and concerns over Gallardo's declining strikeout rate, it appears the market wasn't quite as strong as he had hoped.