Updated November 6
Baltimore beat writer Roch Kubatko, was the first to report that the Orioles have been very busy negotiating with gold glove outfielder Nick Markakis.
The two sides have been in close contact since the season ended and they are expected to agree on a four-year deal very soon. MLB Trade Rumors projects that Markakis would get a four year deal worth $48 million in free agency.
Today, Matt Ehalt of The Record reported that there is nothing going on between the Mets and Markakis despite some earlier whispers from beat writers that the Mets were expected be a player for his services.
Markakis, 31, batted .276 with 27 doubles, a triple, 14 homers and 50 RBI this season, with a .342 OBP and .729 OPS. While he’s a decent ballplayer who can get on base, doesn’t strikeout a lot, and is solid on defense. he has no speed to speak of and the last time he topped 15 home runs was six years ago.
He’s simply not the player he used to be as MASN recently pointed out:
“From 2007-11, Markakis averaged 42 doubles, 18 homers and 86 RBI per year. But the last three seasons, he has averaged 26 doubles, 12 homers and 54 RBI.”
Call me crazy, but I’d bet we can get better production from Matt den Dekker and a right-handed platoon mate. Plus MDD is five years younger and had a higher on-base than Markakis. Small sample size yes, but is Markakis really worth $10-12 million a year more than Matt den Dekker at this point in their careers?
