Orioles decline Markakis's $17.5-million option for next season

The Baltimore Orioles could be be parting ways with their longest-tenured player.

The club announced Thursday it has declined a $17.5-million team option on veteran outfielder Nick Markakis, who's spent his entire nine-year career in Baltimore.

Selected seventh overall in the 2003 draft, Markakis repeatedly etched his name onto the franchise leaderboard throughout his tenure with the club, as he currently ranks seventh in hits (1,547), eighth in total bases (2,318), seventh in doubles (316), and tenth in at-bats (5,331).

Markakis, who appeared in his first career postseason game earlier this month, hit .276/.342/.386 (107 OPS+) with 14 home runs and 27 doubles over 155 games in 2014. The Orioles could still attempt to negotiate a deal with Markakis before he hits free agency.