The Baltimore Orioles reportedly have filled a vacancy in their bullpen by signing veteran reliever Xavier Hernandez to a two-year, $2.75 million contract.
Citing unidentified agent sources, ESPN Radio 1000 in Chicago is reporting that the Orioles have signed the 33-year-old right-hander but are not expected to announce it until after the winter meetings conclude Tuesday.
However, Orioles spokesman John Maroon said the club has yet to reach a deal.
“I know they are talking, but nothing is imminent,” Maroon said.
The Orioles are in the market for bullpen help after trading Armando Benitez to the New York Mets and losing Alan Mills to Los Angeles via free agency.
Hernandez was 6-6 with a 3.57 ERA and one save in 46 games for the Rangers last season, striking out 41 in 58 innings. The middle reliever also has pitched for Houston, the New York Yankees and Cincinnati in a major-league career that began in 1990.