Orioles expected to go trade route for hitter (plus other notes)

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette met with several agents and rival executives today in his suite at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort and came away more convinced that the club likely will have to find a left-handed bat via trade rather than free agency.

This was one of the points made by Duquette as he met this afternoon with the media.

Duquette said he hasn't found the "right fit" on the free agent market as he attempts to balance a lineup that leans so heavily to the right side. He wants a left-handed hitter for the outfield and perhaps designated hitter.

The Orioles are more focused on starting pitching, with multiple reports today linking them to Mets right-hander Matt Harvey. Duquette indicated that there's been lots of interest in his bullpen and he seemed willing to deal from his depth, and The Athletic is reporting that the Orioles are "discussing trading a reliever" for Harvey

It makes sense given how Duquette said moving a reliever is "something that we can take a look at."

Here are more quick hits from today's session:

* Duquette said the Orioles might have to be "a little more proactive" in their attempts to build their rotation. A more aggressive approach rather than sitting back as the market plays out.

* It sounds like the Orioles want to find two starters and hold an in-house competition for the last spot, as I've reported in the past. Duquette mentioned starters who got a look this summer.

* Duquette is reluctant to go four or five years on a starter, noting how longer deals haven't worked out in the past. "I'm not sure I'd recommend that," he said.

* The Orioles are in the market for a left-handed reliever with plus velocity to pair with Richard Bleier.

* Chris Tillman's name keeps coming up and he remains a serious consideration for the Orioles.

* Nothing has been done to reach terms with the seven arbitration players who were tendered contracts. It's a backburner issue at the moment.

* Duquette said young starters Alex Wells and Keegan Akin are drawing interest from other teams. Wells was chosen as the organization's minor league Pitcher of the Year. Akin was a second-round pick in 2016.

* The Orioles want to add a veteran catcher. They tried to bring back Francisco Peña, a minor league free agent, but he's signing with another club.

* Possible Rule 5 selections were discussed this morning, with the Orioles likely to take a pitcher. Duquette mentioned the "acute need" for arms, as well as the challenge of carrying another Rule 5 pick along with outfielder Anthony Santander.

* Agent Scott Boras met with the Orioles this afternoon.