Norris agrees to terms for 2015

The Orioles reached agreement with pitcher Bud Norris on a deal for 2015, leaving four arbitration-eligible players without contracts for the upcoming season. Norris will make a guaranteed $8.8 million this year. He submitted $10.25 million on the day that sides exchanged salary figures, and the Orioles countered at $7.5 million. The deal includes a possible $25,000 for reaching 180 innings and another $25,000 for reaching 200 innings. Norris could receive $50,000 for making the All-Star team and $50,000 for winning a Gold Glove. Norris has never totaled 200 innings in his major league career, which began in 2010 with the Astros. Norris made $5.3 million last season while going 15-8 with a 3.65 ERA in 28 starts over 165 1/3 innings. His wins, ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 8.1 hits per nine innings and 2.8 walks per nine innings were the best marks of his career. A pending free agent, Norris went 8-2 with a 2.44 ERA at Camden Yards and 9-1 with a 2.85 ERA in 14 starts against the American League East. The Orioles went 13-1 in those division games. Norris' .900 winning percentage versus the AL East is the third-best single-season mark in club history behind Steve Stone (14-1 in 1980) and Dave McNally (12-1 in 1969). Norris posted a 1.47 ERA in his final three starts of the regular season beginning Sept. 12. The Orioles acquired Norris, 29, from the Astros on July 31, 2013 for outfielder LJ Hoes and minor league left-hander Josh Hader. The Orioles still must reach agreement with pitchers Zach Britton and Miguel Gonzalez, and outfielders Steve Pearce and Alejandro De Aza. The Sun first reported Norris' agreement.