Orioles seriously pursuing Franco
What would his signing mean for the organization?
Even at this stage of spring training, the Orioles seem to be unsatisfied with their current roster and are looking to add.
After reports from multiple outlets, including MLB Network, over the past week regarding the Orioles’ courtship of free-agent third baseman Maikel Franco, the team remains in serious pursuit of him, according to an industry source.
Franco, 28, spent 2020 with the Kansas City Royals, hitting .278/.321/.457 with eight home runs and 38 RBIs in 60 games. He debuted with the Philadelphia Phillies at age 21 in 2014 and spent the rest of the decade as their everyday third baseman.
While it could be days before a deal is finalized once agreed upon, Franco’s addition could enhance the team’s corner bat mix as the season approaches. It’s an area the Orioles aren’t necessarily light in, but is one that could benefit from another piece to provide as many options for manager Brandon Hyde as possible come Opening Day on April 1.
Here’s what a potential Franco signing would mean for the Orioles should an agreement be finalized this week.
Defensive end Romeo Okwara has agreed to stay with the Lions, a person familiar with the situation says. The person spoke Monday on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the deal. Reports say the unrestricted free agent landed a $39 million, three-year contract. Okwara had a career-high 10 sacks last season in his third year with the Lions and fifth in the NFL. The former Notre Dame standout played in 16 games for the Giants in 2016 as an undrafted rookie. The Lions claimed him off waivers after the Giants cut him in 2018 and he has been a solid and consistent player on shaky defenses. In his first major moves related to free agency, first-year general manager Brad Holmes decided to keep Okwara after choosing to let Kenny Golladay go instead of using the franchise tag or giving him a long-term deal to retain the 27-year-old receiver. Okwara has 20 career sacks in five seasons, starting in 28 of 67 games. The Lions are rebuilding their entire team, moving on without quarterback Matthew Stafford for the first time in 13 years.