The Orioles are interested in three of the top free agents still on the market: outfielders Shin-Soo Choo and Nelson Cruz as well as pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez, according to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports. Baltimore has clear needs in left field and in their rotation, but their ability to outbid other clubs could be an issue.
MLB roundup: Orioles interested in Shin-Soo Choo
The Orioles are targeting some elite free agents while the Mariners and Indians look at the arms on the trade market. The White Sox add Ronald Belisario for their bullpen and the Rangers give Jose Contreras a chance to earn a place in theirs.
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Interest in Anderson
The Athletics are shopping pitcher Brett Anderson and the Indians and Mariners are interested in the oft-injured lefty, according to Buster Olney of ESPN. Anderson missed most of the 2011 and 2012 seasons as the result of Tommy John surgery, and he was limited to 44 2/3 innings in 2013 thanks to a stress fracture in his foot. When healthy, he has been an effective starter and reliever, posting a 3.81 in five seasons with Oakland.
Belisario to Chicago
The White Sox agreed to a one-year, $3 million deal with reliever Ronald Belisario on Thursday, according to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune. The 30-year old right-hander tossed 68 innings for the Dodgers last season, posting a 3.97 ERA (90 ERA+). He became a free agent on Monday after being non-tendered by Los Angeles.
Texas signs Contreras to minor-league pact
Veteran pitcher Jose Contreras will take to the mound again in 2014. The Texas Rangers have signed the 42-year-old Cuban righty to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. Contreras spent most 2013 in the minors with the Pirates and Red Sox organizations. He saw just five innings in the majors, all in the month of May, struggling to a 9.00 ERA in seven appearances with Pittsburgh. In 2012, he threw 13 2/3 innings in relief for the Phillies and posted a 5.27 ERA.
Minnesota designates Hendriks
In order to make room for newly-signed pitcher Phil Hughes, the Twins have designated pitcher Liam Hendriks for assignment. The 24-year-old Australian appeared in ten games for Minnesota in 2013, making eight starts and putting up a 6.85 ERA over 47 1/3 innings.
Arruebarruena to hold workout
Cuban-defector Erisbel Barbaro Arruebarruena will hold a showcase for major league teams over the weekend, according to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. The 23-year-old is considered an elite defensive shortstop and has even drawn comparisons to Jose Iglesias of the Tigers. Ben Badler of Baseball America described his bat as "a major source of concern" in his write up of Arruebarruena, but the prospect's advanced glove should be enough to excite teams. Martino sees him as possibility for the Mets.
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