Baltimore Orioles are content with makeup of this team

Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Around this time of year everyone is shopping whether they are starting to shop for the Holidays or for Thanksgiving dinner. MLB teams are shopping too. They are shopping for “big name” talent. There have already been a few blockbuster trades and signings this off-season with a few more in the works.

However, if the Baltimore Orioles are smart, they would try to protect their assets and remain content with who they have moving forward in 2015.

After signing J.J. Hardy to an extension, the core of the team is set. Adam Jones, Manny Machado, Matt Wieters, Chris Davis and Hardy make up that core. Instead of looking outside of Baltimore right now for talent, the Orioles’ No.1, 2, and 3 concerns should all be resigning outfielder Nick Markakis to an extension. Once they have him, then they  can dip their toes into the free agent market.

With Andrew Miller most likely joining a new team for more money next season, the Orioles next concern should be signing a reliable reliever. I know if Nelson Cruz goes elsewhere next season, the Orioles lose their designated hitter.

However, think about this. The Orioles do have a viable option in Delmon Young. The 29-year-old was one of the more clutch hitters on Baltimore’s roster in 2o14. And his bases-clearing double in Game 2 of the ALDS was one of the most electrifying moments in Camden Yards’ history.

The Orioles could put their money to resigning Young and putting him in the designated hitter role. Needless to say, the Orioles should be able to make it back to the Postseason in 2015 with the majority of the same players as we all saw dawn orange and black in 2014.