Orioles pick up options for pitchers Chen, O'Day
Markakis, Hundley join seven other club free agents
BALTIMORE -- As expected, the Orioles have exercised their 2015 club options on pitchers Wei-Yin Chen and Darren O'Day, and they declined the options of right fielder Nick Markakis and catcher Nick Hundley.
Chen, 29, set career highs with 16 wins and a 3.54 ERA in 31 starts for Baltimore last season. The lefty will make $4.75 million in 2015.
The 32-year-old O'Day went 5-2 with four saves, and he ranked seventh among American League relievers with a career-best 1.70 ERA over 68 appearances. He was a critical part of the O's bullpen, allowing just 13 earned runs over 68 2/3 innings and will make $4.25 million next season.
Markakis, who will now become a free agent along with Hundley, had his $17.5 million option declined, but both sides remain hopeful that he can remain an Oriole. The longest-tenured active player on the club, Markakis will get a $2 million buyout per the terms of his contract.
Hundley, who had a $5 million club option, will not get a buyout. Both players now join the Orioles' list of free agents, which also includes Nelson Cruz, Andrew Miller, Delmon Young, Kelly Johnson, Johan Santana, Alexi Casilla and Joe Saunders.