Kansas City, Mo.
The Orioles could have a tough decision on their hands in the coming weeks regarding the future of Jeff Conine , who signed a one-year, $1.7 million deal in December with an option for a second season.
The option vests if Conine reaches 450 plate appearances and the 40-year-old is on pace to eclipse that mark with 320 plate appearances with 61 games remaining. Conine would earn $2 million next season if the option vests, a high price for a player who will turn 41 next June and is obviously not in the club's long-term plans.
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There's still a decent chance that the Orioles could trade Conine before Monday's non-waiver deadline, making his contract a non-issue. The St. Louis Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners are among the teams that are interested in Conine, who would likely bring a mid-level prospect in return.