The Orioles are expected to declined Markakis' $17.5 million option for 2015, CBSSports.com reports.

The Orioles are expected to declined Markakis' $17.5 million option for 2015, CBSSports.com reports.

Analysis:

Markakis is beloved within the organization, but the $17.5 million price tag is just too steep for a player who posted a .729 OPS with 14 homers and four steals during the regular season. Thus, the Orioles are expected to buy him out for $2 million, but a return at a lower cost is a real possibility.