The Orioles earlier this week awarded right fielder Nick Markakis a six-year, $66.1 million extension, buying out his first three free-agent years.

Roberts, 31, is six years older than Markakis, but he would be one of the top offensive players — and certainly the top leadoff man — on next year's free-agent market.

The signing of Roberts, one of the team's most popular players and a favorite of owner Peter Angelos, would help placate a fan base stinging from 11 consecutive losing seasons.

However, the inability of the Orioles to secure Roberts long-term could lead the team to trade him, a prospect that is currently complicated by the availability of free-agent second baseman Orlando Hudson.

The Orioles again have their "ears open" to teams that are interested in Roberts, reflecting a change in their position over the past six months, a major-league source told FOXSports.com this week.

The closer the Orioles get to the July 31 nonwaiver deadline with Roberts unsigned, the more likely they will be to trade him. The team is thin on major-league-ready pitching and middle-infield prospects.

Depending upon the economy, Roberts as a free agent likely would top the three-year, $30 million that the Dodgers recently awarded their own leadoff hitter, shortstop Rafael Furcal.

Roberts is represented by Mark Pieper, who negotiated a five-year, $44 million free-agent contract for Juan Pierre two years ago in a different economy.

An eight-year veteran, Roberts has a career batting/on-base/slugging line of .284/.355/.416. He has averaged 42 stolen bases over the past three seasons.

Los Angeles Dodgers News News » Sources: O's Roberts wants 4-year deal to stay
Sources: O's Roberts wants 4-year deal to stay
If the Orioles intend to sign second baseman Brian Roberts long-term, they will need to offer him a four-year contract, major-league sources say. Roberts, who is eligible for free agency at the end of the season, has received a three-year, $30 million offer from the Orioles, according to The Baltimore Sun. MLB Hot Stove