Orioles reach agreement with O'Day on four-year deal (updated)

I'm about 30 minutes away from boarding my flight to Nashville and we already have Orioles news.

A team source confirmed this morning that the Orioles reached agreement with reliever Darren O'Day on a four-year deal "pending a medical review."

The decision came down to the Orioles and Nationals, who reportedly were hesitant to offer a fourth year.

CBSSports.com is reporting that O'Day will receive $31 million. FOXSports.com first reported the agreement.

O'Day is 23-8 with a 1.92 ERA and 0.939 WHIP in four seasons with the Orioles since they claimed him off waivers from the Rangers on Nov. 2, 2011, shortly before they hired Dan Duquette as executive vice president of baseball operations. He went 6-2 with a 1.52 ERA and 0.934 WHIP in 65 1/3 innings this year over 68 appearances.o

O'Day also is the undisputed leader of the bullpen and teammates have been pushing for his return.

The back end of the bullpen remains formidable with O'Day, closer Zach Britton and right-handers Brad Brach and Mychal Givens. The Orioles also tendered a contract to left-hander Brian Matusz.

O'Day preferred to stay in the area with his wife, Elizabeth Prann, working as an anchor/reporter for FOX News in D.C. He also is fond of the Orioles organization and manager Buck Showalter's handling of the bullpen, which most likely played a role in his choice.

The money and length of contract didn't hurt, either. The Orioles didn't intend to improve their offer, but decided late in negotiations to give him a fourth year, according to a source.

O'Day made $4.25 million this season.

The Orioles' projected payroll already has topped $100 million and they're still trying to re-sign first baseman Chris Davis and add other pieces, including at least one starter and outfielder.

Update: O'Day threw cold water on reports by tweeting the following:

"Contrary to the news, I have not reached an agreement with the O's yet. I am flattered by all the attention, but reports are premature"

This simply could be O'Day's way of reminding us that nothing is final until the physical is set up and passed, and the contract is signed. I've received confirmation on the agreement and I'm told it may not be official until the end of the week, since Orioles team doctors are in Nashville for the meetings.