Baltimore Orioles Extend J.J. Hardy, Keep Him Away From New York Yankees
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The Baltimore Orioles apparently decided they weren’t going to mess around with J.J. Hardy. The team’s shortstop was set to become a free agent following the season, but word has emerged of the two sides reaching a new deal just one day before the start of the ALCS.
Sources: #Orioles close with shortstop J.J. Hardy on extension, believed to be three years with an option, north of $40 million.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 9, 2014
#Orioles’ Hardy was eligible for free agency at end of season. Was expected to be target for #Yankees.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 9, 2014
That last part should make Orioles fans feel extra good. Not only have they locked up a quality shortstop for the next three years, they’ve also eliminated any chance of the New York Yankees swooping in and taking him away.
Hardy is still only 32-years old, and should be able to continue his solid play over the length of this new deal. He’s earned a gold glove each of the past two years, and also made the All-Star team in 2013. But, his power numbers took a big dive in 2014. The shortstop managed to knock in just 52 runs and launch nine homers this season, his lowest totals since 2010.
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