Orioles’ Nick Markakis To Meet With Other Clubs, But Not The O’s

Baltimore Orioles’ outfielder Nick Markakis’ agent plans to meet with other clubs this week, but not the O’s.

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The Baltimore Orioles declined Nick Markakis’ $17.5 million option for 2015 at the end of last month, and according to a story by Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun, Markakis’ agent, Jamie Murphy, now intends to talk to other clubs this coming week. He is planning to attend the general managers meetings in Phoenix, Arizona.

"Murphy would not specify which clubs he’ll be talking to or how many he’ll be meeting with, but when asked if he was scheduled to speak with Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette in Phoenix, Murphy said, “No, not at this time.”"

Previously, Markakis and his agent had been negotiating exclusively with the Orioles, so this certainly suggests that any talk of a deal has stalled. Markakis was allowed to begin talking to other teams starting on November 4th, but Monday is the first chance that has actually materialized. It was previously reported that the two sides were discussing a deal in the neighborhood of a four year agreement between $10 and $12 million. However, they have not met for about a week now.

Most likely Markakis has heard the Orioles’ best offer and might simply be interested in seeing if any other clubs can make a better one. Both Buck Showalter and Markakis’ teammate, outfielder Adam Jones, have spoke up to say that they’re confident the Orioles will find a way to keep Markakis.

Markakis turns 31 next week and is the Orioles longest tenured player, having been with the club since 2006. He hit .276 with a .342 OBP and 14 home runs through 155 games in 2014. Markakis also picked up his second AL Gold Glove Award last week.

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