RADIO
The Baltimore Orioles are interested in signing Gerardo Parra to a new contract, according to ESPN.com.
The outfielder was dealt to the Orioles at the deadline this past season. Parra didn’t do as well with the Orioles as he was doing with the Milwaukee Brewers for the first half of the season. He finished the season with a 291/.328/.452 batting line with 14 HR and 14 SB. Parra had a .328 BA in Milwaukee before a struggling .237 BA through two months. Either way, the 28-year-old free agent could want a three or four-year deal even though Baltimore reportedly wants to bring him back for a possible two-year deal.
Also, #Orioles have some interest in bringing back OF Gerardo Parra. But probably on a two-year deal, tops.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 23, 2015
The Kansas City Royals and New York Mets are two of the teams rumored to be potential landing spots for Parra. He showed that he could play all three outfield positions well. He’s won two Gold Gloves throughout his seven-year career and proved he’s still one of the better outfielders in the game. The Royals could lose Alex Gordon to free agency and Parra could be the man that will replace three-time All-Star. The Mets outfield will likely consist of Michael Conforto and Curtis Granderson at the corners. Juan Lagares could be the starter in centerfield as they are expected to lose Yoenis Cespedes to free agency. Parra could be a potential replacement and bat somewhere in the beginning of the lineup.
The Orioles finished the season with an 81-81 record in 2015. They were in the race for most of the season although they lost a lot of ground after the All-Star break. Baltimore has made the postseason twice in the last four seasons. It has a strong foundation with Manny Machado and Adam Jones to be in the race every season. A whole off-season to get more accustomed with the team and a full season at Camden Yards could be what Parra needs to produce like he did during the first half of last season. He’s a career .277 hitter, which would be a great number for the top of the Orioles 2016 lineup. He doesn’t strikeout much, only striking out 92 times between the two teams last year. Parra would fit right in with the Royals, but he could help strengthen the Baltimore lineup and allow the core of the lineup to get better balls to hit.
