Orioles open to contract extension for Hardy

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Orioles are considering an extension for Gold Glove shortstop J.J. Hardy, who is signed through 2014.

"J.J. has had a couple of really good years for the team," Dan Duquette, executive vice president of baseball operations, said on Wednesday, "and I think the interest is mutual between he and the Orioles and extending that relationship."

An extension would be Hardy's second with Baltimore as he heads into the final season of a three-year, $22.5 million deal signed in July 2011, a deal that includes an eight-team no-trade clause. He is represented by LSW Baseball.

One of the most well-liked Orioles in the clubhouse, Hardy was also an All-Star and a Silver Slugger this year and hit .263 with 25 homers and 76 RBIs in 159 games.

Hardy was the subject of trade rumors earlier this offseason, along with catcher Matt Wieters, although it's highly unlikely the club will move either. The Orioles have had extension talks regarding Wieters the past two springs, and Duquette will touch base with his agent, Scott Boras -- who also represents Chris Davis -- when they go through the arbitration process next month.

Boras met with the media at the Winter Meetings on Wednesday afternoon and was asked about possible extensions.

"I'm sure that conversation will be with [owner] Peter [Angelos] and I someday, but [it's] certainly welcome to entertain it and look at it and talk," Boras said.