MLB

Ike Davis still has a suitor in the Orioles

TAMPA — Ike Davis remains of interest to the Orioles as they continue to try to land a slugger who will work mainly as a DH, The Post has learned.

Baltimore believes it has several options, including free agents Nelson Cruz and Kendry Morales. However, both of those players were made qualifying offers, which means any team – other than their last one – that signs either would lose its highest draft pick.

The Orioles surrendered the 17th pick in June’s draft to sign Ubaldo Jimenez. Last July 31, Baltimore traded its competitive balance selection, No. 35 overall, to Houston for Bud Norris. Thus, the current highest pick for an organization that claims it is a draft-and-develop franchise is No. 54 overall, and that would be lost with the signing of Cruz or Morales. Plus, either player still would necessitate somewhat significant money, likely on multi-year contracts, even at this late date for free agents.

Now, the Orioles stated a willingness to potentially not draft until the 90th pick because: 1) They know they have a window here in which to win, thinking they could lose key contributors — and Scott Boras clients — Chris Davis and Matt Wieters to free agency after 2015. 2) They believe they signed the equivalent of two first-round picks last month when they inked 16-year-old third baseman Jomar Reyes out of the Dominican Republic and 17-year-old first baseman Carlos Diaz out of Mexico.

Nevertheless, if Baltimore wants to avoid expending another draft pick and significant dollars, it can go for Ike Davis, who clearly intrigues the organization and makes $3.5 million this year. He shares some similarities with Chris Davis – a lefty swinger with clear power who has faltered with his original organization.

After a rocky start to his career with the Rangers, Chris Davis found a swing that works with the Orioles and hit 53 homers last year, finishing third for the AL MVP.

And the Orioles are not the only club intrigued by Ike Davis. Jayson Stark of ESPN reported the Pirates remain interested in Davis as a lefty complement to righty-swinging Gaby Sanchez at first base.

One avenue that is closed that was open during the offseason is with Tampa Bay. There was a point at which the clubs were haggling for extra players to build around an Ike Davis-Matt Joyce swap. At once juncture, though, the Rays proposed simply doing a one-for-one deal, particularly because the players have such similar salaries (Joyce will make $3.7 million in 2014). But the Mets ultimately refused that request, and the Rays ended up re-signing James Loney to play first. Joyce will now serve as an outfielder/DH.