4 years agoFree agent third baseman Maikel Franco is "moving close" to a deal with the Baltimore Orioles, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Heyman later added that both sides are working on it but nothing is official as of now. Franco has been also been linked to the Braves and the Mets but the Orioles appear to be the front runners to land the 28-year-old. He put together a resurgent season with the Royals last year when he slashed .278/.321 with 16 doubles, eight home runs, and 38 RBI. Baltimore offers the clearest path for Franco to land a starting job out of the gate. Rio Ruiz, who was the O's primary third baseman last season, has gotten off to a sluggish start in camp and doesn't offer very stiff competition. Franco is a solid late-round option in standard 5x5 fantasy leagues, especially if he ends up in Baltimore.--Jon Mathisen - RotoBaller
Source: Jon Heyman of MLB Network