The Baltimore Orioles desperately needed to improve their pitching staff ahead of the 2016 season, and they've done just that by agreeing to a three-year, $35-million deal with right-hander Yovani Gallardo, according to MLB Network's Jon Heyman.

The deal also includes a $13-million club option for a fourth year and is contingent on a physical.

Gallardo and the Orioles had been in contract talks for several weeks, and Baltimore will need to forfeit its 14th overall pick in the upcoming draft once the deal becomes official as compensation for the veteran, who rejected a qualifying offer from the Texas Rangers earlier this offseason.

The soon-to-be 30-year-old has made at least 30 starts in seven straight seasons while compiling a 3.69 ERA and 8.2 K/9 rate over that span. However, his strikeout rate fell to a career-worst 15.3 percent last season with Texas. Still, Gallardo projects as one of Baltimore's better starters heading into the season.

ORIOLES PROJECTED ROTATION - 2015 STATS

After a slow start to the offseason, Orioles general manager Dan Duquette has filled several holes on his ballclub. Not only has he retained the services of slugger Chris Davis, reliever Darren O'Day, and catcher Matt Wieters, but he traded for Mark Trumbo, signed Korean outfielder Hyun Soo Kim, and has now added Gallardo to the mix.

Duquette may not be done there, though, as Baltimore is reportedly interested in signing Dexter Fowler, who would now cost the club its No. 28 draft selection this year as compensation.