Orioles, ace Tillman start talking extension

SARASOTA, Fla. — Orioles ace Chris Tillman and the team began to talk about a possible long-term contract within the past day or two, though talks thus far are said only to be about “concepts” and not hard numbers, say people familiar with the discussions.

Tillman, the Orioles’ presumed Opening Day starter, will talk with the team throughout the remainder of spring training, with the opener viewed as the deadline to get a deal done.

Tillman will earn $4.315 million this year, his first year of arbitration eligibility, if nothing new can be worked out before the season. He has three more arbitration years and is due to become a free agent following the 2017 season.

The big right-hander has emerged as a star in Baltimore, going 38-14 the past three years, including 13-6 last year, when he had a career-best 3.36 ERA. Tillman was 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA in 2013, when he made the All-Star team. He has exceeded 200 innings each of the past two seasons, and last year he tied for the league lead with 34 starts.

The plan to discuss a contract was first reported by Joel Sherman of the New York Post.

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