TAMPA, FLA. — The Orioles and the representation for right-hander Chris Tillman have been engaged in a "continuous dialogue" regarding a long-term extension for the past several weeks, according to an industry source.
Since the Orioles and Tillman agreed to terms on a one-year, $4.315 million deal in mid-January, avoiding arbitration, the sides have discussed the possibility of a new deal several times.
The talks are believed to be only preliminary. Both sides have agreed to table discussions once the season begins April 6, according to the source, so they have a little more than a week to reach a deal.
Tillman has expressed interest in an extension multiple times over the past few weeks, saying that not being open-minded about it would be unwise. But he also said he's keeping his distance from the possibility, telling his agent, Dan Horwits of Beverly Hills Sports Council, to update him only if there's significant progress. He doesn't want the possible distraction as he's preparing for the season.
Tillman, who likely will be announced as the Orioles' Opening Day starter for the second straight season next week, has won a team-high 29 games over the past two seasons, reaching the 200-inning threshold in both seasons.
He has blossomed into one of the team's top starting pitchers over the past 2 1/2 seasons. He was 13-6 with a 3.34 ERA in 34 starts last year and has a 1.99 ERA in 14 1/3 spring training innings.
He is in his first season of arbitration eligibility, so he does not become a free agent until after the 2017 season. He received a significant raise in his first time through the arbitration-eligibility progress, agreeing to a salary more than seven times the $546,000 he made last season.