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Free agent slugger Nelson Cruz will be seeking a four-year deal, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Cruz just finished up a one-year, $8 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, where his 40 home runs led the majors.
Cruz, who will turn 35 next July, enters the free agent market as one of the most sought-after right-handed bats available. Cruz's 2014 season was one of the most productive of his career, as he posted a slash line of .271/.333/.525. Heyman goes on to say that the Orioles appear to be willing to give Cruz a two-year deal at a big raise in addition to the $15.3 million qualifying offer Cruz received, but Cruz would likely have to look elsewhere for a four-year deal.
Along with Cruz, the Orioles may also have to replace outfielder Nick Markakis. Markakis enters the free agent market for the first time in his career, but the Orioles are already in the early stages of trying to bring him back.