Free agent signings take precedent at 2014 Winter Meetings

Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

“I’m here with the Orioles and my focus is with the Orioles.” This was Baltimore’s general manager Dan Duquette’s reply when asked about the rumors that swirled around the Internet Sunday afternoon regarding him being the Toronto Blue Jays’ top candidate to become the new president/CEO.

Aside from destroying these rumors, Duquette was also asked about what the team’s main goal is this week at the 2014 Winter Meetings. “I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to add to the depth of our outfield while we’re here,” he answered. He went on and explained that free agents are a stronger possibility over trades.

With that being said, the Orioles best two options for free agent signings in the outfield are Delmon Young and Melky Cabrera.

Young, 29, batted .302/.337/.442 during the 2014 season with 30 RBI and 7 home runs in 83 games played.

Cabrera, 30, batted .301/.351/.458 during the 2014 season with 73 RBI and 16 home runs in 139 games played.

Duquette’s main reason for being wary about making a trade for an outfielder is that he is against giving up any of his starting pitchers along with any top prospects like0 Dylan Bundy or Christian Walker.

He also explained to reporters that he wanted to add another catcher to the roster. Although they hope Wieters will be back for Opening Day, they need to go about like they are looking for his replacement. The organization has shown interest in resigning Nick Hundley, but he has made it clear that he is going to wait to see if he can be picked up as a starting catcher position.

Hundley batted .233/.273/.352 with 9 extra-base hits and 19 RBI in 50 games played with Baltimore last season.

Unlike last year’s Winter Meetings, the 2014 Winter Meetings should almost certainly see the Orioles make at least one move.