J.J. Hardy is entering the final year of his contract with the Baltimore Orioles.
Manny Machado has blossomed at third base, putting less pressure on the Orioles to move him to shortstop. Hardy will turn 32 next August and could be pursued by a team like the New York Yankees if Baltimore doesn't lock him up before he hits the market.
Machado also recently opted for surgery on a season-ending injury, leading to some doubt on the left side of their infield.