Orioles hope to continue relationship with Nick Markakis

The Baltimore Orioles elected not to exercise their $17.5-million option on Nick Markakis for next season, though, the club isn't necessarily moving on from its longest-tenured player.

According to Rich Dubroff of CSNBaltimore, the Orioles are set to pay Markakis a $2-million buyout, but will continue to discuss a new contract with the 30-year-old outfielder.

"Nick is a dependable player and (the Orioles) would like to continue (our) relationship with him," executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said in a text message.

Markakis, the seventh overall pick in 2007, hit .276/.342/.386 (107 OPS+) with 14 home runs and 27 doubles over 155 games in 2014. Only five players have appeared in more games than Markakis since 2006, as the former Gold Glove award winner has played at least 147 games in all but one of his nine seasons in the majors.