Report: Orioles open extension talks with Tillman

The Baltimore Orioles don't want to let their ace get away.

Baltimore has reportedly opened extension talks with right-hander Chris Tillman, according to Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun, who added that discussions are still in the preliminary stage.

Acquired by the Orioles from Seattle in a lopsided 2008 trade that also brought Adam Jones to the Charm City, Tillman has developed into a steady member of the team's rotation. The 28-year-old has made 30 or more starts in each of the last four seasons, and was an All-Star in 2013.

This past year, Tillman posted a 3.77 ERA and struck out 140 batters to help Baltimore advance to the postseason. Tillman started the AL wild-card game in Toronto, and allowed two runs in 4 1/3 innings.

Baltimore might prefer to get Tillman locked up before he hits free agency at the end of the 2017 season. After earning $6.225 million last year, he's projected to make $10.6 million in arbitration in 2017, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

Other Orioles stars approaching free agency include third baseman Manny Machado and closer Zach Britton, both of whom will hit the open market after the 2018 campaign.

Orioles general manager Dan Duquette told reporters at the winter meetings that he's met with representatives of some players who are close to free agency about extensions, but declined to cite them specifically, according to Encina.