Colby Rasmus Rumors: Orioles Focusing on Contract with Free-Agent LF

The Baltimore Orioles and free-agent outfielder Colby Rasmus reportedly have mutual interest in a contract, according to Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun. 

Per Encina, the O's have been in search of a left-handed hitting outfielder throughout free agency, and Rasmus fits the bill.

In July, Rasmus announced that he would "step away from baseball" while with the Tampa Bay Rays. He did not return in 2017, and it was unclear when he intended to come back to the sport.

The 31-year-old Rasmus was productive in 37 games last season, hitting .281 with nine home runs and 23 RBI in his first season with Tampa.

Rasmus began his career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009. He was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011 and signed with the Houston Astros in 2015.

He has four seasons with 20 or more home runs, and in nine MLB seasons, Rasmus owns a .242 average with 165 homers and 490 RBI.

Baltimore has a strong lineup, but it is heavy on right-handed hitters, including Manny Machado, Adam Jones, Jonathan Schoop, Trey Mancini and Mark Trumbo.

Rasmus would help balance the lineup and create a potential outfield platoon with Joey Rickard, while Jones and Mancini occupy the other two spots.