Orioles to talk contract extension with J.J. Hardy
O's GM Dan Duquette says he'll talk to shortstop J.J. Hardy about a new contract before opening day.
By
Dayn Perry
•
1 min read
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Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy is entering the final season of the three-year, $22.5-million contract that he signed prior to 2012. Regarding the status of Hardy moving forward, here's this tweet from MASN's Roch Kubatko:
Duquette said #Orioles will talk to Hardy about extension between now and opening day
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) February 1, 2014
As noted, that's coming straight from the mouth of GM Dan Duquette, and, per his own words, things should develop quickly.
While it seems that Manny Machado, the Orioles' 21-year-old Gold Glove third baseman, will eventually return to his natural position of shortstop, it's hard to argue with Hardy's value to the team. As well, Machado's surgically repaired knee may also be a factor in wanting to keep Hardy in place for a while longer.
In three seasons with Baltimore, Hardy has batted .256/.298/.434 (96 OPS+) with 77 homers. He's also picked up a pair of Gold Gloves, and, in a related matter, Hardy does indeed grade out as a notable defensive asset according to Ultimate Zone Rating.
Hardy will be entering his age-31 season.
