O’s plan to extend qualifying offer to N. Cruz
Nick Markakis has a $17.5M option while Nelson Cruz came in at a bargain $8M. (Getty)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Orioles are interested in re-signing outfielder/DH Nelson Cruz and outfielder Nick Markakis, but with the Orioles still ensconced in the playoffs, it seems the team will likely have to make one-year calls on both players, and word is the team plans to extend a $15.3 million qualifying offer to Cruz, but decline Markakis’ $17.5 million option.
Neither decison comes as a surprise, as Cruz was among the most valuable players in the American League this year after signing what turned out to be a bargain $8 million, one-year deal, and Markakis’ option is just too steep. The Orioles would have to pay a $2 million buyout on Markakis assuming they don’t come to a long-term agreement in the interim.
Both decisions have been seen as probabilities for quite awhile.
The Cruz signing was one of the best signings in baseball last winter, if not the best. His free agency was hampered by the double whammy of having been suspended 50 games for his connection to biogenesis last year and also having the $14.1 million qualifying offer attached to him by virtue of the Rangers extending it to him despite the drug ban.
He looked like a prime free agent going into last winter, but teams were reluctant to give up a draft choice and/or take a chance on a player with a PED link.
The Orioles have loved having Cruz on the team, and Cruz has said the feeling is mutual. But a year removed from the ban, and after hitting a league-leading 40 home runs with 108 RBI, he will surely receive a big multi-year deal, whether it’s in Baltimore or elsewhere.
Markakis is beloved by the Orioles but it was presumed from the start of the year his high option was out of whack for him. He hit .276 with 14 home runs. He’s been a favorite of owner Peter Angelos (and others in the organization) so a return, at a lower rate, wouldn’t be a surprise.
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