The Orioles spent the offseason reluctant to pursue big-ticket free agents tied to qualifying offers because they were hesitant to forfeit their first-round pick in this year's draft. But they've still maintained steady interest in right-hander Yovani Gallardo, the only remaining free-agent pitcher who will require losing a draft pick to sign.
And now, with one week left until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the Orioles — who have done little to upgrade their starting rotation, which they targeted as their No. 1 offseason priority --- are engaged in ongoing dialogue to sign Gallardo, according to an industry source.