A few thoughts on Nick Markakis and how he'd fit Orioles

The Orioles could use a left-handed hitting corner outfielder with a career .358 on-base percentage who is comfortable playing at Camden Yards and capable of serving as the leadoff hitter.

But Nick Markakis isn't walking through that door. At least, I don't think so.

Markakis never wanted to leave Baltimore. Returning "home" with the Braves hasn't been a joyful experience for a variety of reasons. But I haven't detected any signs that a reunion is in the works.

There has been previous contact between the teams regarding Markakis, but more of a feeling out process that didn't involve the highest ranking officials.

The Orioles were negotiating a four-year deal with Markakis in 2014 before examining his MRI and determining that he'd need fusion surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck. There were doubts within the organization about Markakis extending his career, but he was ready by opening day and has appeared in 474 games in three seasons in Atlanta.

It wasn't a comfortable parting. Markakis had been loyal to the Orioles, playing through the discomfort in his neck and being a steady presence through good times and bad. He expected the same loyalty in return. The Orioles declined his $17.5 million option for 2015, but were intent on re-signing him until surgery entered the picture.

Markakis lives in Cockeysville with his wife Christina and their three children. The area remains home to them despite his Georgia roots. And the couple's love of Baltimore emanated again Monday at Adam Jones' #StayHungry Purple Tailgate.

The knock against Markakis, who will make $10.5 million in the final season of the four-year, $44 million contract that he signed with the Braves, involves his declining power since the injury. He's hit three, 13 and eight home runs since leaving the Orioles. But he never was a big power guy, his career high of 23 homers coming in 2007.

Seth Smith hit 13 home runs this year. No one would be replacing Giancarlo Stanton.

Scouts compared Markakis to Paul O'Neill after the Orioles selected him in the first round of the 2003 draft. He'd hit for average, get on base and offer some pop at the plate. He'd also win two Gold Glove Awards, though his defense isn't at the same level as he's gotten older.

Markakis batted .275/.354/.384 this summer in 160 games. He's totaled 38, 38 and 39 doubles over the past three seasons. His 89 RBIs in 2016 were the third-highest of his career, and he was toiling on a last-place team.

The Orioles' .312 on-base percentage this year ranked 27th in the majors. Here are Markakis' OBPs over his 12-year career:

.351
.362
.406
.347
.370
.351
.363
.329
.342
.370
.346
.354

Travis Snider was touted as Markakis' equal when the Orioles acquired him from the Pirates in January 2015 for pitchers Steven Brault and Stephen Tarpley. He lasted until August. Gerardo Parra batted .237/.268/.357 in 55 games in 2015 and never looked comfortable in right field after the Orioles acquired him from the Brewers for pitcher Zach Davies. Mark Trumbo led the majors with 47 home runs in 2016 and earned a three-year, $37.5 million deal, but most of his at-bats now come as the designated hitter. Smith, acquired from the Mariners on Jan. 6 for pitcher Yovani Gallardo, is a free agent after batting .258/.340/.433 with 19 doubles, 13 home runs and 32 RBIs in 111 games.

Brault was named the International League's Most Valuable Pitcher this summer. Davies went 17-9 with a 3.90 ERA in 33 starts with the Brewers and is 31-18 with a 3.91 ERA in parts of three seasons. Keeping Markakis might have kept them in the organization.

Austin Hays could emerge as the regular right fielder in 2018, though the Orioles would have three right-handed hitters in the outfield. Maybe it's someone from outside the organization. Maybe it's some sort of combination.

It's not likely to be Markakis, but we're in the thick of the offseason and pretty much everything is open to debate. Let me hear from you on this one.

Would you welcome back Markakis in an Orioles uniform and as the everyday right fielder while giving guys like Hays and Anthony Santander more time to develop?