The Orioles have acquired Kelvin Gutierrez from the Royals for cash considerations, per the team. The Royals had designated Gutierrez for assignment. He’ll now join the Orioles, who have optioned him to Triple-A. Both teams have confirmed the deal.
The 26-year-old third baseman saw the most Major League time of his career this season for Kansas City, posting a triple slash line of .215/.254/.296 in 142 plate appearances. Between Hunter Dozier and Hanser Alberto, the Royals figure to have third base covered, even with Emmanuel Rivera recently hitting the injured list and Alcides Escobar being traded to Washington.
Baltimore has Maikel Franco at third base on a one-year, $800K contract. The former Royal and Philllie doesn’t necessarily fit into the O’s long-term plan. The 28-year-old has a 75 wRC+ on the season, not exactly stolid production at the hot corner. Gutierrez also has some experience at shortstop, should the Orioles want to use him there while Freddy Galvis is on the injured list.
The Orioles moved Travis Lakins to the 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster for Gutierrez. Lakins was injured in his start last Tuesday. His injury has been labeled as right elbow pain, though an official diagnosis has not been revealed as of yet.
DarkSide830
good pickup
miltpappas
Based on what? His .226 career average or his eight years in the minors? Typical Orioles garbage move.
birdsfan415
like the move but who’s gone? Lakins to 60-day?
DarkSide830
i think TC updated it right after you said that
birdsfan415
ah I see, thank you
Thornton Mellon
A Richie Becker for the 2020’s, just have to see if he can play OF too.
A guy with a .254 OBP who is already 26 and has yet to go beyond a fill in is going to help the team? This screams – at best – AAAA player. The Orioles are already stacked with those. They already have Richie Martin in the minors too, who can’t hit either. How many left side of the infield guys who can’t hit do they need?
This team does not intend to be competitive in 2 years. Or 4 years. Or 10 years.
TLB2001
Lol settle down dude I don’t think anyone expects a guy who gets traded for “cash considerations” to be a franchise altering acquisition. Just a depth piece.
ghostrobot
My man cash considerations lucks out once again
josebatflip
Ha! Nice
leftykoufax
What a sorry organization.
markakis
Why on earth wasn’t Jahmai Jones promoted?
Rsox
Good question. Jones is hitting .274 at AAA while the Orioles get little production from 2B. Gutierrez will place-hold 3B if the Orioles trade Franco at the deadline
markakis
Yup, looking at this again this looks more like a potential replacement for Franco than for Jones.