Photo courtesy: Keith Allison
The Baltimore Orioles and Seattle Mariners have made a trade. Starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo has been traded to the Mariners for outfielder Seth Smith. Baltimore is sending over cash to cover the cost of Gallardo’s contract. They will save $4M in this trade.
The Orioles have acquired OF Seth Smith from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for RHP Yovani Gallardo and cash considerations.
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) January 6, 2017
The #Mariners have acquired RHP Yovani Gallardo and cash from Baltimore in exchange for OF Seth Smith.
Read: https://t.co/NduZ3zayKY pic.twitter.com/BVJTY9ECBg
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) January 6, 2017
"Gallardo gives us the veteran presence that we have been searching for," said Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto in a statement released by the Mariners. "He has a track record of durability and success as a starting pitcher. After examining the free agent and trade market, Yovani is the best fit for our club as we move forward this offseason."
"Seth Smith brings veteran leadership, experience and an accomplished bat to the Orioles," said Orioles GM Dan Duquette in their statement. "We look forward to him contributing to the 2017 club."
Gallardo, 30, pitched to a 5.42 ERA and a 6-8 record with the Orioles in 2016. He was plagued by a shoulder injury, which caused him to miss two months of the season. It also caused his velocity to drop considerably.
Previously with the Texas Rangers, Gallardo pitched well, with a 3.42 ERA and a 13-11 record. Gallardo holds a career record of 108-83 and a 3.79 ERA. His addition gives the Mariners another veteran presence in the rotation. In addition, Dipoto might believe that last season was an aberration for Gallardo.
Smith, who is 33, had a slash line of .249/.342/.415 and hit 16 homers, including a .256/.351/.431 slash line against righties with the Mariners last season. He has the 5th highest fielding percentage amongst AL outfielders at .994. His career fielding percentage is .989.
Smith is an upgrade at right field for the Orioles. Last season, Mark Trumbo manned the position, where he was quite below average. In comparison, Smith let 4 routine outs fall for hits in 730 innings in the outfield. Trumbo let 16 routine outs fall for hits in 790 innings in the outfield.
This move could allow the Orioles more flexibility during their offseason. With $4M, the Orioles could possibly give Trumbo additional money to return as the designated hitter.
UPDATE:
The #Mariners have acquired OF Jarrod Dyson from Kansas City in exchange for RHP Nathan Karns.
Read: https://t.co/S4XHBNR3rv pic.twitter.com/wN3wW3sRFv
— Mariners PR (@MarinersPR) January 6, 2017
The Mariners made another deal, this time with the Kansas City Royals, sending pitcher Nathan Karns to KC for outfielder Jarrod Dyson. Karns pitched to a 6-2 record and a 5.15 ERA. Dyson batted .278/.340/.388 in 337 plate appearances, and will add some more speed to the Mariners.