On the eve of their first appearance in the American League Championship Series in 17 years, the Baltimore Orioles have locked up one of their top pending free agents.
According to an industry source, the Orioles and shortstop J.J. Hardy have agreed to a three-year deal worth $40 million, with a fourth-year option.
The team is expected to announce it at some point Thursday, once it becomes official.
Hardy, 32, is a two-time Gold Glover who hit .268 with nine homers and 52 RBI in 141 games this season.
The club acquired him in December 2010 in a trade with the Minnesota Twins and signed him to a three-year contract extension in 2011.
He is one of several key Orioles facing free agency. Left fielder Nelson Cruz, reliever Andrew Miller and right fielder Nick Markakis (who has a mutual option) also do not have a guaranteed contract for 2015.
According to various sources, the Orioles continue to show interest in re-signing Cruz and Markakis — and both players have shown interest in returning — but nothing appears imminent.
Hardy, who is under contract with the Orioles at least through 2017, has said multiple times that he wanted to remain with the club.
Baltimore radio station 105.7 The Fan first reported that Hardy’s extension would be announced today. Fox Sports reported earlier today that the Orioles were “pushing” to re-sign Cruz.
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