Amid all the FanFest talk about possible extensions for right-hander Chris Tillman, lefty closer Zach Britton and third baseman Manny Machado, there were some brief words about another possible free agent.
J.J. Hardy, the Orioles' steady shortstop for the past six seasons, could become a free agent after this season unless he records 600 plate appearances.
If he does, which means he'd play in about 150 games, Hardy's $14 million option would vest for 2018. If he doesn't play that often, the Orioles can buy him out for $2 million.
Hardy hasn't been to the plate 600 times since 2013, and last year, after he broke his foot early in the season and missed seven weeks, he played in 115 games.
