Orioles Plan To Extend Qualifying Offer To Cruz, Decline Markakis Option
(CBSSPORTS.COM) 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.
