Report: Rockies, Gallardo engaged in 'serious' talks

The Colorado Rockies are getting more serious about addressing their starting pitching needs. With spring training right around the corner, they've set their sights on the market's top available arm.

Colorado has engaged in "serious" talks with right-hander Yovani Gallardo, a source told Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post.

Although Saunders writes that there isn't an offer currently on the table, the Rockies' interest in Gallardo looks to have picked up steam since they reportedly showed initial interest in the 29-year-old on Thursday.

The market for the Mexican has featured many suitors over the course of the offseason, including the Houston Astros, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, and Texas Rangers, but with Gallardo attached to draft-pick compensation after rejecting a qualifying offer, he remains jobless.

Gallardo earned a record of 13-11 with a career-best 3.42 ERA over 33 starts last season, so he should address a need for the Rockies, who finished dead last in team ERA with a 5.04 mark.