AL East Champion Baltimore Orioles roster subject to change in 2015

AL East Champions Baltimore Orioles made their postseason exit Tuesday after being swept by the Kansas City Royals in game four of the ALCS. The phrase “wait ’til next year” now leads the organization into a roster changing offseason with fifteen players eligible for free agency and arbitration.

More from Baltimore Orioles

• Baltimore Orioles: John Angelos should learn that silence is golden
• Watch out American League, the Baltimore Orioles are here to stay
• Stock Up, Stock Down: MLB trade deadline winners and losers
• MLB Rumors: Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins
• Baltimore Orioles: How about a little love in MLB history for Jim Palmer?

Shortstop J.J. Hardy has already snagged a contract extension to the tune of 3 yrs/$40 million and an option in 2018.

Nick Markakis has a $17.5 million option next year that includes a $2 million buyout. 30-year-old Markakis has been with the Orioles since 2006.

He’s a fan favorite and admired leader of the team, rising on many of the organization’s record lists. His option, however, is rumored to be not being picked up by the team.

Nelson Cruz lead the majors in homeruns over the 2014 season, and as one of the best power hitters in the league, will call for an extensive contract. Cruz signed for 1 yr/$8 million in February and is a desirable player. The 34 year old may have trouble reaching a big contract with his past ties to biogenisis and because his contract comes with a draft pick.

If Cruz rejects any offer from the Orioles and signs with another team, that team will forfeit a first or second round draft pick.

Oct 3, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) scores against the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning of game two of the 2014 ALDS playoff baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

With Matt Weiters set to return in the spring, the Orioles aren’t expected to exercise a $5 million option for backup catcher Nick Hundley.

Rookie Caleb Joseph fills the need for another backstop and a much cheaper price. Chris Davis, who signed a 1 yr/$10.35 million deal in January, will most likely see a raise through arbitration.

In the bullpen, Andrew Miller, Brian Matusz, Bud Norris and Tommy Hunter are also expected to seek a higher salary. Miller was a key reliever in the O’s bullpen during the postseason following his trade to Baltimore from Boston. He’ll become a highly coveted free agent and most likely will be looking for a raise out of the organization’s salary.

Matuscz, Norris and Hunter will become arbitration eligible in 2015, and would be cheapter to keep in the pen than Miller. Starter Wei-Yin Chen and reliever Darren O’Day are two other options that are expected to be picked up.

One thing that is expected of the 2015 Orioles is that they won’t be the same as 2014. The 2014 Orioles battled through the injuries of most of their star players and still went on to claim the AL East and enter the ALCS.

It may be expensive, but a fully, healthy, extended-contract roster will make the 2015 O’s a force to be reckoned with.