The Tigers, Indians, and Orioles are among the teams that have shown interest in right-handed reliever Luis Ayala this offseason, MLBTR has learned. Ayala has received strong interest overall, and seeks a Major League deal.
Ayala, 36 this month, posted a 3.27 ERA, 6.0 K/9, 3.5 BB/9, 0.55 HR/9, and 58.9% groundball rate in 33 innings for the Orioles and Braves in 2013. Ayala began 2013 with Baltimore, but was traded to the Braves in April and later spent time on the DL for an anxiety disorder. Among relievers with at least 30 innings in 2013, Ayala's groundball rate ranked 15th in MLB. In addition to the aforementioned teams, I think clubs such as the Yankees, Mariners, Marlins, Mets, and Brewers may be fits for Ayala. It seems likely that the free agent market will pick back up starting Monday as executives return to the office.
Go get him Tiger.
Ayala could be a solid 7th inning option for the Yanks this year. He did well for the Yanks a few years back and would provide for some insurance in case on of the kids in the bullpen aren’t effective.
Hey, the O’s found their closer!
In all seriousness, I will the O’s would consider Eric O’Flaherty.
Provided he will be ready to go in Spring Training at some point.
Royce White looks up to this guy. Or he should.