By:Kelly Thesier/MLB.com

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Twins and Orioles are in talks about a possible trade that would send shortstop J.J. Hardy to Baltimore but just how close a deal may be is unclear.

The Baltimore Sun first reported Wednesday that the two sides were in “serious negotiations” about a trade involving Hardy. The two teams have talked previously about a deal involving Hardy, as the Orioles have been aggressively pursuing an upgrade at shortstop.

A move to send Hardy to Baltimore would signal that the Twins are confident that they can sign Japanese infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka to a deal before the Dec. 26 deadline expires and perhaps a deal could be close to being completed. If the Twins move Hardy, it’s likely that Nishioka would be the starter at second base and Alexi Casilla could be the starting shortstop.

The Orioles are one of a few teams that have talked to the Twins about Hardy. The Twins were also in discussions with the Pirates on a trade for Hardy last week and Pittsburgh is still interested in the shortstop.