Baltimore Orioles: Bold predictions for the Hot Stove season

The Hot Stove season has begun and Baltimore Orioles signing predictions are in full effect.

There are several predictions already circulating the web about who would be a good fit for the Baltimore Orioles.

A few big names have popped up as good fits for the Orioles and many of these names are intriguing. And, a few former Orioles names have also popped up with clubs that could be good fits for them.

MLB Trade Rumors writer Tim Dierkes ran a piece about the Top 50 Free Agents in the 2017-2018 class. Unfortunately, many of the current free agent class will be asking for hefty prices that Dan Duquette will be unlikely to pay. So, the top names on the list have predictions to go to clubs with bigger pocketbooks like the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Yankees.

Paying attention to CarGo

The most interesting prediction on the list was Carlos Gonzalez. Dierkes thinks that CarGo could possibly earn a $12 million one-year contract in Baltimore. He is not alone in this prediction and the benefits of adding him to the Orioles roster can be seen in this editorial that includes his stats and notable awards. After playing for several years in Colorado at the home-run friendly Coors Field, Camden Yards would be an easy transition for him.

Vargas is a southpaw

Another notable mention for the Orioles was Jason Vargas. His notable feature is the fact that he is left-handed and the Orioles need a southpaw pitcher. He spent his first few years in the National League but has since spent the last nine in the AL pitching for the Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, and the Kansas City Royals.

He had his first All-Star season in 2017 and had a league-leading 18 wins. His career ERA is 4.17 and he has only gotten better with age. His ERA with the Royals is a respectable 3.88. Vargas’s career WHIP is 1.312. Vargas would fill a need for the Orioles and he would be more than just a left-handed pitcher. He would be a good one.

Next: The last time the Orioles had a Rookie of the Year

The Orioles former pitcher, Chris Tillman, was ranked 47 on the list. Dierkes suggested that he would be a good fit with the Detroit Tigers. Welington Castillo was in the 34th spot and Dierkes thought he would be signed by the Oakland Athletics. No other members of the 2017 Orioles appeared on the list and no other signing recommendations were made.

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