After making a flurry free agent acquisitions, the Baltimore Orioles might be on the verge of locking up some of their own.
Baltimore’s front office spent much of February and early March courting additions, landing starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez and left fielder Nelson Cruz. The club appears to be trying to capitalize on the narrow window of opportunity afforded to it by a group of core players.
Catcher Matt Wieters and first baseman Chris Davis are under contract through 2015, while right fielder Nick Markakis and shortstop J.J. Hardy aren’t guaranteed to return in 2015.
The Orioles would like to extend the contracts of Wieters and Davis — both represented by agent Scott Boras, who is likely to let at least one of the All-Stars test the free agent waters. Davis is the centerpiece of the batting order. Wieters is the field general and is credited with managing a pitching staff and controlling the opposing running game from behind the plate.
Coupled with Gold Glove defenders Hardy and Markakis — who has a $17 million option for 2015 — the group represents the core of veterans in their prime for the Orioles. Center fielder Adam Jones, signed through 2018, and third baseman Manny Machado, under club control through 2018 but likely due for an extension before, offer a cushion.
The Orioles are able to maintain a relatively average payroll despite their star-studded lineup because many of those players remain on their first contracts, or on deals — like in Hardy’s case — that are favorable for the organization.
However, the Orioles face difficult decisions in the next 12 to 18 months, and those choices will impact the franchise for years into the future. After focusing on 2014 for much of the offseason, the Orioles might start looking at the future.
NOTES, QUOTES
–C Matt Wieters sprained his right ankle March 11, but he was expected to return to action within a few days. He rolled the ankle on the bases and was pulled from the game as a precaution. Wieters’ absence means more opportunities for Steve Clevenger and Johnny Monell — currently dueling for the backup catcher job.
–OF Francisco Peguero is competing for a reserve outfield role, but he will miss a few days to undergo an MRI on his strained right wrist. The free agent pick-up felt discomfort while swinging in early March, and he didn’t play March 6-12.
–CF Adam Jones departed the team for the birth of his first child, as his fiancee was due to give birth to a boy March 12. Jones flew back to Baltimore on March 11, and there was no definitive timetable for his return to camp.
–RHP Bud Norris likely will depart camp as the Orioles’ No. 5 starter after attempts to sign RHP Ervin Santana fell short. Santana, a veteran free agent, signed with the Braves. Norris was inconsistent but arguably the club’s top starter down the stretch in 2013. Had the team signed Santana, it is possible Norris would have contended for the closer’s role.
–RHP Brock Huntzinger was a long shot to make the Opening Day roster, but he impressed manager Buck Showalter in three outings before being reassigned. Huntzinger, 25, could be called upon as a relief option later this season. He struck out four and didn’t issue a walk in 3 2/3 Grapefruit League innings.
–LHP Brian Matusz spent time in the emergency room March 9 due to an allergic reaction to peanuts, but he pitched March 11. He retired all six batters he faced.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “It is disappointing, but at the end of the day, you just have to go out and play.” — 3B Manny Machado, on having his contract renewed at $519,000 after a breakout season.