Baltimore Orioles rumors: Nick Markakis up for an extension as well?
By Hayden Kane
The Baltimore Orioles could approach Nick Markakis about a contract extension, having already agreed to a deal with shortstop J.J. Hardy on Thursday.
Technically the Baltimore Orioles are not at risk to lose Nick Markakis to free agency this off-season. It is not overly simple however, as they would have to exercise a mutual option to keep Markakis. It’s not cheap, as it would cost $17.5 million to keep the outfielder for the 2015 season.
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It only seems logical, then, that the Orioles might work out an extension with Markakis to take the edge off the front end of that deal and to keep him in Baltimore long term.
While the timing might seem off for an extension given the fact that the Orioles are preparing for the ALCS this weekend against the Kansas City Royals, Baltimore has not let that stand in their way. They locked up J.J. Hardy to a three-year extension, and now they might have their eyes on a possible deal for Markakis and Nelson Cruz.
Per Roch Kubatko and Dan Connolly.
Wouldn't be surprised if #orioles now begin talks with Nick Markakis, also pending FA. Has $17.5 mil mutual option for 2015.
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) October 9, 2014
The best I can tell the Orioles would love to have a trio of extensions in Hardy, Cruz and Markakis. But Cruz and Nick do not seem imminent
— Dan Connolly (@danconnolly2016) October 9, 2014
The Orioles took advantage of the break between series to lock up Hardy, but they might be done locking up actual deals for now. Still, it won’t be surprising if they engage Markakis about a deal once the winter arrives.
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