Baltimore Orioles Close To Signing Nick Markakis?

By Ed Carroll | Nov 2, 2014

Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis (21) at bat against the Detroit Tigers during game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Baltimore Orioles declined Nick Markakis’ $17.5-million option for the 2015 MLB season, technically making the outfielder a free agent, but reports indicate the two sides aren’t far off from a potential four-year contract.

The Baltimore Orioles allowed outfielder Nick Markakis to become a free agent when they declined a $17.5-million option for 2015, but the team is working to reach an agreement to keep the team’s long-time right fielder before an exclusive negotiating window closes at midnight on Monday. One report states the framework between Baltimore and Markakis is a four-year deal, which would keep Markakis with the team that drafted him until he is 35-years old.

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Markakis has been an unhealed but steady performer for the Orioles since his rookie year in 2006, never failing to hit more than 10 home runs in a season, and has found a home in the Baltimore area.

It’s not surprising Baltimore would like to keep Markakis, who made $15 million in 2014 as part of the last year of a six-year extension signed in 2009. Markakis could likely find close to his 2014 salary in free agency, if not more, but he appears to value the comfort he’s found in Baltimore.

It’s unclear what to expect if a deal isn’t reached before the deadline, as other teams are certain to have interest in Markakis, but it would appear the Orioles have the leg up on his services.

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