Report: Orioles showing strong interest in Michael Morse

The Baltimore Orioles have already identified a candidate to replace Nelson Cruz in their lineup, less than 48 hours after the hulking slugger reportedly signed a multi-year deal with the Seattle Mariners.

The Orioles are showing strong interest in Michael Morse, the 32-year-old free agent with considerable power who logged 12 games with Baltimore two seasons ago, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

Morse, who signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants last winter, hit .279/.336/.475 (130 OPS+) with 16 home runs and 32 doubles over 131 games in 2014. Though he split time between left field and first base last season, Morse would likely take over as Baltimore's designated hitter as manager Buck Showalter looks to fill the void created by Cruz's departure.

Though the Orioles fielded one of the league's most potent offenses last season, the lineup is poised for a dramatic restructuring with Cruz headed elsewhere and Nick Markakis possibly on his way out as well.