Orioles Interested in Bringing Back Nick Markakis
The face of the franchise during the most tumultuous time in the Orioles’ history, Nick Markakis is a name being thrown around the O’s front office.
Markakis never developed into the power-hitter that Oriole fans expected, but he became the most reliable player on the field. In Markakis’ eleven-year career, he has posted a career .288 batting average and a .358 on-base percentage.
Along with his consistent approach at the plate, Markakis brings multiple gold gloves along with him. One of the strongest-arms in the game, base-runners have become very wary of testing the arm of Markakis. In 2017 Markakis finished the season with eight home runs, seventy-six runs batted in, and a .275 batting average.
Now, what would the O’s have to give up to receive Markakis? With the situation that the Braves are currently in, they are not in driver’s seat in this deal, and the O’s might be able to get Markakis on the cheap. Markakis has one year left on his contract for $11,000,000, and his past contract is certainly his last big payday. At the age of thirty-four, Markakis’ years are numbered in this league, so why not spend them back in Baltimore? Some fans would scratch their heads with this move, but I believe that most O’s fans would welcome number twenty-one back to Camden Yards. Markakis would become the perfect mentor and bridge gap for Austin Hays, but still, play at a high level.
Markakis deserves a better ending to his career than being dragged down by the Braves’ organization. Bring Nick back to the Charm City, and give him one more chance at a playoff run. Markakis is currently eighth in Orioles career hits and seventh in doubles. He will go down as one of the most underappreciated Orioles in history, but before it’s too late, bring Nick back home and give him the recognition he deserves.
