The Baltimore Orioles had a pretty impressive year, placing first in the American League East with a 96-66 record. The Birds have been to the playoffs two times in the last four years, and that has been accomplished with the help of many players, but especially RF Nick Markakis. During the 2014 season, Markakis hit .276, 14 HR, with 50 RBI. The left-handed hitter recently won his second gold glove award along with two other teammates, Adam Jones and J.J. Hardy. The Orioles proved to be a force this past year, dominating their division. Of course, they would like the same thing to happen next year as well.
Nick Markakis, 31, is currently a free agent, and did not receive a qualifying offer from the Orioles. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Orioles have been in discussions with the right fielder on a four-year deal in the range of $44 million. Under Markakis’ contract was a club option of $17.5 million, which the club rejected in hopes of working out a new contract, says Sherman.
This offseason, Markakis will have many options, so far, rumors from the Orioles and Blue Jays have been noticed.
According to Baseball America, at the Rogers Centre this past season, Markakis hits .290, with an OPS of .792, and at Camden Yards, he it .265, with an OPS of .690.
A good fit for the right fielder seems to be with the Blue Jays, but again, we’ll see.
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