A number of MLB teams in need of a shortstop sighed in disappointment earlier today when it was reported the Orioles signed J.J. Hardy to a three-year extension worth $40 million.
Hardy has been with the Orioles since 2011, and besides from an unproductive power-hitting year this season, he's hit at least 22 home runs and 68 RBIs per season, including a 30 home run and 80 RBI campaign in 2011. The 31-year-old is now officially off the free-agent market, leaving only Hanley Ramirez, Jed Lowrie, Stephen Drew, Asbrubal Cabrera, Mike Aviles and Clint Barmes as the available shortstops in the offseason.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported earlier today that the 2012 and 2013 Gold Glove winner was close to a deal with the team. Orioles' executive vice president Dan Duquette jumped at the opportunity to extend Hardy before he hit the free-agent market because a number of teams, including the rival New York Yankees, were vying for the shortstop's services. This agreement comes after the two sides tabled contract talks when they couldn't reach a deal at the end of spring training.
"Why not now, really?" Duquette said, in this ESPN article. "When we looked at the market, we thought the best chance to sign J.J. was before he went to free agency because he's distinguished himself as one of the top shortstops in the league. And J.J. let us know that he wanted to continue his career here in Baltimore."
But Duquette and the Orioles aren't stopping there. Rosenthal also reported that the team is working to complete an extension with outfielder Nelson Cruz, who led the MLB in home runs this season with 40. Baltimore signed Cruz for a bargain one-year, $8 million deal last offseason because the outfielder rejected the Texas Rangers' qualifying offer and when he became a free agent many other teams were wary due to his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal (he was suspended for 50 games in 2013).
But Cruz has rebounded and has had the best season of his career, belting 40 home runs and driving in 108 runs while maintaining a .271 batting average. The 33-year-old Cruz expressed interest in remaining with the team back in August, and Baltimore is taking advantage of their playoff run to coax their impending free agents to remain with the team.
The Orioles will host the Kansas City Royals for Game 1 of the ALCS on Friday night.
