J.J. Hardy and Orioles Agree to 3 year Extension
By Editorial Staff
The Baltimore Orioles finally found a shortstop they liked and had no intentions of letting him go. J.J. Hardy signed a 3 year extension with the Birds yesterday.
Hardy’s new deal is worth between $22 and $22.5 million and includes a limited no trade clause. The clause is similar to the one the O’s and Nick Markakis agreed to, as Hardy cannot be traded to 8 teams in 2012 through 2014. Baltimore has also guaranteed they will not deal their shortstop this season.
"“There’s a lot of things I don’t have to worry about now,” said Hardy. “It’s definitely a relief, a big weight off my shoulders. I can just worry about playing baseball now.”"
Originally set to become a free agent at the end of the 2011, Hardy was one of the top trade chips in the majors. He’s been putting up solid numbers while playing a prime position, and many thought that the once again struggling O’s may cash in Hardy for players who could impact their “future”.
But Baltimore signaled to fans that they aren’t going into fire sale mode just yet.
If Hardy could have maintained his production through the season, he could have been looking at an even larger payday this winter. But the 28 year old has found success and a home in Baltimore and decided it’s where he wanted to stay.
"“I like all the guys in this clubhouse. I like the coaching staff,” he said. “I just think overall I’ve had a lot of fun here, and there’s been years I didn’t have a lot of fun playing. That’s a big thing for me, to have fun, and all these guys allow me to do that.”"
On the year, Hardy has been able to put up an impressive line of .275/.332/.490. He’s currently sporting the league’s 5th best OPS (.822) and 4th highest home run total (13) among shortstops. Hardy’s also remained one of the top defensive shortstops in the majors.
I took a look at what the O’s should do with Hardy earlier this season. With his injury past and what I thought it would cost to keep him, I thought the O’s should look to trade Hardy for prospects or take the high draft picks.
I wasn’t sure Hardy would agree to a 3 year deal or even if he did if he could keep up his current pace at the plate for the length of the deal. Turns out I was wrong about the first but the latter in still TBD.
As of now it appears a win-win for each side. Baltimore gets a solid player for his position and Hardy finally finds a guaranteed spot and salary for more than a season.
For more on the Orioles, be sure to check out Birds Watcher.