Report: Orioles' offer to Davis as high as $168M

The Baltimore Orioles are intensifying their efforts to re-sign first baseman Chris Davis, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, after extending the free-agent slugger a contract offer reportedly worth as much as $168 million over seven years.

Rosenthal says the Orioles appear to be hopeful, even "somewhat optimistic," they can strike a deal with the 29-year-old Davis, who's reportedly seeking an eight-year contract around $200 million.

Meanwhile, reports out of Baltimore on Thursday claimed the Orioles hadn't increased their offer to Davis, with sources telling ESPN's Buster Olney that a contract was no longer on the table.

Orioles owner Peter Angelos and executive Dan Duquette are said to be intent on bringing back Davis after watching him belt a major league-leading 159 home runs over the past four seasons, though it's unclear how long they're willing to wait to make a deal.

"At some point, he's going to have to make a decision (about whether) that's enough, or how much is enough," Orioles manager Buck Showalter told reporters at the winter meetings in Nashville on Wednesday. "Believe me, he's going to make a good call where he wants to go with his baseball and his career and his life. We're prepared to go either way."

Outside of Baltimore, the market has been slow to develop for Davis, who became a free agent for the first time in his career this year after rejecting the club's $15.8-million qualifying offer last month. His agent, Scott Boras, said Wednesday that while the Orioles have made it clear they want Davis to return, his client continues to generate interest from other teams.

Free-agent outfielders Justin Upton and Alex Gordon are among several other targets the Orioles are expected to pursue once a decision is made on Davis.