Are the Baltimore Orioles about to extend Chris Tillman?

Recently (let’s say since the beginning of the new year) we’ve heard a few rumors about the Baltimore Orioles opening discussions with RHP Chris Tillman about a contract extension. There can be little doubt that Tillman would be someone that the Orioles would want to try to keep, although it’s worth mentioning that he’s not a free agent until 2018. So bearing that in mind, why do this now with the likes of Wieters and Davis coming up next year?

As I’ve said many times, it all begins and ends with (starting) pitching. Granted that’s an opinion (one shared by many), but I stand by that opinion. So in building for the future, it’s important to ensure that starting pitching is shored up long term. Furthermore, Tillman’s probably the best pitcher that’s been in the organization since Mike Mussina – why not try to keep him.

Should Baltimore rely on Tillman in crunch time? Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

However in mentioning Matt Wieters, Chris Davis, and their pending free agency (at this point), there might be a hidden message here. As I said and as savy Orioles fans already know, both will be free agents after 2015. But if in fact it all begins and ends with starting pitching, would it not stand to reason that seeing the organization make a committment to Tillman would send a message to the likes of Davis and Wieters?

That aside, just like everything else it all comes down to price. Tillman is worth a large expenditure in my opinion, meaning both years and revenue. But let’s be clear – he’s not priceless. I would submit that Orioles fans should be comfortable seeing Tillman get an Adam Jones-like extension. Tillman still has a lot of potential, and similar to Jones he seems like the type of guy who might want to stay in Baltimore so as to finish what he started in a sense.

Skeptics of course will argue that perhaps the Orioles could be acting a bit too hastily in considering an extension for a player who’s shine could always dull. But if you harbor that thought, keep in mind that’s a risk you run with any player. Furthermore, Tillman came up for good at the midpoint of the 2012 season, and he was an integral part of the stretch run to the playoffs. He was spectacular in 2013 and ’14 as well, of course being a huge part of bringing the AL East crown home to Baltimore for the first time since 1997.

So the point here is that at this stage if you’re questioning whether or not Tillman’s for real, odds are he’s never going to convince you. Whether or not an extension happens now or at all during this season is another story. However the fact that there appears to be mutual interest bodes well for the future. The last thing that Orioles fans should want would be Tillman truly ending up like Mussina and riding off into the sunset to play for a division rival.