Orioles rumors: Gerardo Parra hopes to return to Baltimore next season

Orioles outfielder Gerardo Parra will be a free agent this winter. The O's acquired the 28-year-old from the Brewers at the trade deadline, in the hopes that he could help their playoff push. Now, with their focus shifted to the offseason, it appears that both sides are interested in a reunion, according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.

When the Orioles dealt for Parra, Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said the club wanted to lock up the 28-year-old, two-time Gold Glover. Sources say the club still wants to pursue a longer deal with Parra this winter, despite his offensive struggles since the trade.

Before being traded to Baltimore, Parra hit .328 with a .369 on base percentage to go with nine homers in 100 games. Since coming to the O's, there have been some offensive struggles. In 49 games with Baltimore, Parra has hit .215/.244/.340 with five homers and 15 RBI's.  After playing seven straight seasons in the National League, Parra has had a tough time adjusting to the American League and its pitchers.

Despite those struggles, Parra has proven his worth to this O's in other ways. He has played games in all three outfield positions, and has hit in five different spots in the lineup, including leadoff. Having a guy that can be plugged anywhere in a lineup is a manager's dream, giving the skipper more flexibility with the batting order.

This offseason will be interesting in Baltimore. There have been long rumors that tension is growing inside the organization and only time will tell how that will affect their ability to construct a roster for next season, with so many impending free agents, like Parra, hitting the market.

Parra is considered a candidate to get a three- or four-year deal on this year's free agent market, with teams like the Nationals already expressing preliminary interest.