AP source: Gallardo, Orioles reach $35 million, 3-year deal

The Baltimore Orioles filled a big hole in their rotation, reaching agreement with free agent Yovani Gallardo on a three-year, $35 million contract Saturday.The deal came on the second day of workouts for Baltimore pitchers and catchers at spring training in Sarasota, Florida.Gallardo takes the spot that opened when Wei-Yin Chen became a free agent and signed with Miami.Gallardo went 13-11 with a 3.42 ERA for Texas last season. The right-hander turns 30 later this month.A person familiar with the deal confirmed the terms to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract hadn't been announced.Other media outlets reported the agreement earlier in the day.The Orioles will forfeit their first-round pick in the June draft, the 14th choice overall. Texas had made a qualifying offer of $15.8 million to Gallardo that he turned down.Gallardo has pitched at least 180 innings in each of the last seven seasons. An All-Star in 2010 with Milwaukee, he is 102-75 with a 3.66 ERA in his nine-year major league career.Gallardo is the first major league free agent from another team that Baltimore has added since finishing 81-81 last season. The Orioles are also trying to sign outfielder Dexter Fowler, who played for the Chicago Cubs last year.Join the conversation about this story
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