Lance Lynn, Orioles Rumored to Be Engaged in Contract Discussions

Searching for options to upgrade their starting rotation, the Baltimore Orioles have reportedly been in contact with free-agent pitcher Lance Lynn.

Per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, discussions between the Orioles and Lynn took place last week but have not yet "advanced to a serious stage."

Rosenthal added the Orioles are a difficult team to gauge because they "routinely go hot and cold" during contract discussions.

Baltimore has made a habit of waiting out the market to sign starting pitchers near the beginning of spring training. Ubaldo Jimenez signed a four-year deal in February 2014. Yovani Gallardo received a three-year contract in February 2016.

The Orioles' starting rotation finished last season with the worst ERA in MLB (5.70) and fewest innings pitched (846) in the American League.

After missing the entire 2016 season following Tommy John surgery, Lynn tied his career high with 33 starts for the St. Louis Cardinals last season. He had a 3.43 ERA with 153 strikeouts in 186.1 innings.