masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWithin the span of a few days, the Orioles have lost the leading home run hitter in the majors last season and their longest-tenured player.
Nelson Cruz agreed to a four-year, $57 million contract with the Mariners on Monday, and Nick Markakis has agreed to a four-year deal with the Braves today worth $44 million, according to an industry source.
The Orioles have been notified of Markakis’ decision.
Yahoo! Sports first reported the agreement.
The Orioles were negotiating a four-year deal with…

Within the span of a few days, the Orioles have lost the leading home run hitter in the majors last season and their longest-tenured player.

Nelson Cruz agreed to a four-year, $57 million contract with the Mariners on Monday, and Nick Markakis has agreed to a four-year deal with the Braves today worth $44 million, according to an industry source.

markakis-balck-siwng-alds-sidebar.pngThe Orioles have been notified of Markakis’ decision.

Yahoo! Sports first reported the agreement.

The Orioles were negotiating a four-year deal with Markakis’ agent, Jamie Murphy, but talks stalled and never regained steam. The club became leery of offering a fourth guaranteed year and sought assurances that Markakis was healthy.

The Braves put on a full-court press to sign Markakis, emerging as a strong contender for his services a few days ago. I wrote on Monday that they had joined the fray, and they worked quickly to get an agreement in place.

Markakis, who turned 31 last month, grew up near Atlanta and attended Young Harris Junior College. The Orioles selected him with the seventh-overall pick in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft.

The Braves visit Camden Yards on July 27-29.

Much more to come.