The Orioles seemingly solved two problems Jan. 6 with the acquisition of outfielder Seth Smith from the Seattle Mariners for right-handed starter Yovani Gallardo and cash considerations.
The left-handed hitting Smith becomes the favorite to play right field, a spot the Orioles were looking to fill. Smith also has a career .344 on-base percentage, and the Orioles were looking to boost their OBP.
In trading Gallardo, the Orioles removed a sixth starting pitcher from a five-man staff and opened a second bullpen spot for a younger, more versatile pitcher.
Gallardo's 2017 salary is $11 million, and the 34-year-old Smith was set to earn $7 million in the last year of a three-year, $19.75 million contract.
