It had been assumed for much of the offseason that outfielder Nick Markakis would return to the Orioles.
A month ago the Orioles and Markakis were said to be close to a four-year extension but since then talks have gone cold. One team who has reportedly spoken to Markakis is the Blue Jays but afer they signed Russell Martin and traded for Josh Donaldson they may no longer have interest.
The 31-year-old Markakis is looking at a decline from the $15 million he made last season after posting a .276/.342/.386 line with 14 home runs and 81 RBI.
Per sources, #Orioles also have talked to #Dodgers about Kemp. O’s lining up alternatives if they can’t re-sign Markakis, Cruz and also…
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 30, 2014
And according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal the Orioles are getting a list of alternatives put together in case a deal with Markakis does not work out. One name that Rosenthal notes is Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp.
Kemp had a bounce back year for the Dodgers in 2014 posting a .287/.346/.506 batting line and 25 homer runs. The Dodgers have other outfielders for trade but Kemp may get them the most in return. He does have five years and $160 million left on his current deal.
