Baltimore Orioles set to sign outfielder Nate McLouth - MLB Update
The Baltimore Orioles finally made a move at the Winter Meetings and struck a deal with outfielder Nate McLouth pending a physical. The deal will be for a single year worth $2 million. He will also have a potential $500,000 in bonuses.
Dan Duquette, the Orioles’ executive vice president of baseball operations had previously made it quite clear that the team was after an extra outfielder. There were no promises being made by the O’s that Nate will be starter in every game but did acknowledge
him to be a skilful athlete.
"I don't know if he's the everyday left fielder, I think that's a question for another day," Duquette said. "But Nate over the course of his career has done very well against right-handed pitching and that has been a staple for him."
Dan believed that McLouth connected with the fans well and that is a plus. "He was a real gritty player and our fans connected with him, and he really liked the 'football atmosphere' he termed it, at the ballpark. So that looks like it's going to be a good
thing for the team to bring back," he said.
The left-handed hitter spent the majority of his eight seasons in the Major League with the Pittsburgh Pirates and was a part of the Orioles in 2012 for 55 games. He posted a .268 batting average and .342 on-base percentage, both better than his overall
career numbers.
Free agent Nick Swisher appears to be an unlikely addition to the Orioles now, despite of talks between the two parties. Dan Duquette has hinted that there are enough members in the outfield and adding another one was not on the agenda.
Trade possibilities have also not been ruled out by the club and they are in talks with a number of teams on that matter. "Sometimes they come together, sometimes they take a little while to percolate after the meeting," Duquette said on Wednesday. "But
we still have our eye on a couple other things."
The Orioles have achieved their primary goal of adding an outfielder to their ranks at the Winter Meetings. They are likely going to engage in some trades before the conclusion of the event. So far, it seems that they have done well.
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