Orioles, Hardy Agree to Extension

[Elite]

The Orioles and J.J. Hardy have agreed in principle to a three-year contract extension, reports Jeff Zrebiec of The Baltimore Sun (all Twitter links). Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun says the deal is worth between $22-22.5MM and includes no-trade protection to eight teams. The Orioles also assured Hardy he will not be flipped at the deadline. It is still pending a physical, and some minor details must be finalized.

Yesterday we heard that the two sides were working towards a three-year pact worth $21-25MM, but no-trade protection was holding things up. The two sides had started contract talks late last month, but other clubs continued to express interest in acquiring him. Hardy, 28, is hitting .275/.333/.490 with 13 homers this year and was due to become a free agent after the season. He is represented by LSW Baseball, as our Agency Database shows.

MLBTR

Not a bad deal for the O's, don't think Hardy keeps it up though

 

[elcheato]

The Orioles shouldn't have made this deal.. Really makes no sense, practically wasted money. The guy rarely plays a full season, the Orioles aren't contending and their best prospect is a shortstop..

This is the highest his value will ever be, so trade him.

 

[cruzg24]

I agree with what Cheato said, they shouldnt have paid Hardy. Hardy is not the long term answer at shortstop for the Orioles.

 

[snipezo]

Agreed with cheato. Should have sold high on Hardy.

 

[BwareDWare94]

It's worth it if he can somehow find a way to play the entire (or most of) time he's under contract. Dude's got a rocket arm from SS and that makes a big difference with speedsters at the plate.