There’s no doubt that Adam LaRoche would certainly be a difference maker in the heart of the Baltimore Orioles‘ lineup. He’d fill I’m admirably at first base and should be able to belt 30 home runs and drive in around 100.

Apparently, the Nationals and LaRoche are stuck on two years. With a three year offer, LaRoche could be belting homers at Camden Yards in Buck Showalter’s lineup. The only problem is, he’d cost the O’s a first round pick.

Since Washington gave LaRoche a qualifying offer, the Orioles would have to forfeit their 24th pick in the 2013 MLB draft. Is he worth it?

LaRoche would likely cost around $35 million to sign. At age 32, it might be too steep of a price, especially considering the Orioles willingness to address their needs via a trade. Brittany Ghiroli reports that Dan Duquette has spoken with at least six teams about making a move for a middle of the order bat.

While the naysayers will call the Orioles cheap for passing on LaRoche, they may be making a smart decision by building their team through the farm system. Their last two picks appear to be just what the franchise needed.