Report: Rockies considering signing Yovani Gallardo
Blame the altitude at Coors Field if you must, but the Colorado Rockies can never seem to field a formidable starting rotation. Now they seem intent on addressing that deficiency.
According to a report by Jon Heyman of MLB Network on Thursday, the Rockies are considering signing free agent righthander Yovani Gallardo, generally believed to be the top remaining pitcher on the market.
Rockies, looking for a starter and pen help, are now considering top remaining SP Yovani Gallardo
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 21, 2016
Gallardo, 29, was decent for the Rangers in 2015, going 13-11 with a 3.42 ERA, a 4.00 FIP, and 121 strikeouts in 184.1 innings. Though he tops out as a No. 2 or No. 3 starter at best, Gallardo could ascend to ace status in a Colorado rotation currently anchored by the likes of Jorge De La Rosa and Jordan Lyles.
A bid for Gallardo might not be without some friendly competition, however, as Heyman also reported on Wednesday that both the Orioles and the Astros have interest in the Mexican pitcher as well.
Orioles and astros are among teams looking at Yovani Gallardo, the top remaining free agent starter
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 20, 2016
The Rockies thus far this offseason have been about as quiet as a Brooklyn Nets home game. The only peep we’ve heard out of Colorado recently has been because of Charlie Blackmon’s diesel troubles. But landing Gallardo could be the statement the Rockies need to prove that they’re not just a perpetual punchline out in the NL West.
Image Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
H/T Baseball Reddit