Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reports that free agent right-hander Yovani Gallardo is expected to sign with one of the Orioles, Astros, or Rockies “barring the late entry of a mystery team.”

Gallardo is widely viewed as the best remaining free agent pitcher, which is likely at least partly due to some potential suitors not feeling he’s worth giving up a draft pick to sign. In fact, on MLB Network Radio this morning Orioles front office boss Dan Duquette indicated that he’s unwilling to give up a first-round pick to sign Gallardo. Yes, the same Orioles said to be in the mix for Gallardo.

He posted a nice-looking 3.42 ERA in 33 starts for the Rangers last season, but also averaged just 5.5 innings per start and a career-low 5.9 strikeouts per nine innings. At age 30 he showed signs of decline, but 184 innings of a sub-3.50 ERA while calling Texas home is still plenty impressive and apparently at least a few teams are willing to forfeit a draft pick for Gallardo.

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