Wieters Accepts Orioles' Qualifying Offer To Return In '16
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Catcher Matt Wieters has accepted the Baltimore Orioles' $15.8 million qualifying offer, saying his decision was based primarily on his comfort level with the team.
In a telephone interview with The Associated Press, Wieters said Friday, "For a one-year deal, there's no place more comfortable than playing baseball for the Orioles."
Wieters joins Houston's Corey Rasmus as the only players in the four-year history of the compensation system to accept a qualifying offer rather than remain a free agent.
Wieters played in 75 games last season after undergoing elbow ligament replacement surgery in 2014. He batted .267 with eight homers and 25 RBIs, but his main contribution was his work with the pitching staff.
A former first-round pick, the 29-year-old Wieters has spent his entire seven-year career with the Orioles.
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