Report: Orioles interested in Padres' J. Upton, Brewers' Gomez
According to FOX Sports MLB Insiders Jon Paul Morosi and Ken Rosenthal, the Baltimore Orioles are looking for an impact outfield bat:
#Orioles have expressed interest in trading for #Padres OF Justin Upton, sources say. Baltimore wants to add an outfielder. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 19, 2015
To add to @jonmorosi report on #Orioles’ interest in J. Upton: Team also has inquired on C. Gomez. But does BAL have prospects for big move?
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 19, 2015
Justin Upton and Carlos Gomez represent two of the higher-tier trade pieces of the outfield market this July. Upton is a free agent after this season, while Gomez is on the hook for a reasonable $9 million in 2016, according to baseball-reference.com.
Upton is having an Upton-like season, hitting .252 with 15 homers and 49 RBI, while hitting in a pitcher-friendly Petco Park.
The Brewers' Gomez had a rough April to start the season (slashing .235/.257/.441), but has since slashed .271/.332/.439.
Either bat would have an immediate impact in the Orioles lineup as the team has struggled to replace the production of departed outfielders Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis from last year's roster.