Rumors surrounding the Baltimore Orioles keep swirling even after they made several blockbuster deals which included Manny Machado and Zach Britton. Veteran outfielder Adam Jones is now being discussed and is reportedly drawing interest from several teams, including the Phillies and Indians -- according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. Both teams are looking for veteran outfielders as they push for a playoff spot, and the Orioles are a league-worst 29-73 as of July 25.
If the Orioles do reach a deal for Jones between now and the deadline on July 31, it will end a decade-long run of him playing with the team. He has been an Oriole since 2008 when they acquired him from the Seattle Mariners.
Value of Adam Jones
Jones (32) has had a mediocre season in 2018, not producing like he did from 2009-2015 when he made five All-Star games in seven seasons. In 96 games this year he is slashing .277/.304/.422 with 10 home runs and 38 RBI. He was once a multi-Gold Glove-winning fielder several years ago, but his defense is not nearly what it used to be. His biggest highlight of the season was an Opening Day walk-off home run.
Overall, Jones would be an okay veteran guy to have in the outfield as depth, but not much more. This is not a move that will suddenly make a team heavy favorites. He is on the final year of the six year deal he signed before the 2013 season, so he would be a rental for anyone who trades for him.
If the Phillies or Indians traded for him a few years ago, it would be a different story. Now he is a guy that will not get on base much with a bat that has fallen off in terms of power. Veteran players on a contending team certainly are good to have, though, which is why he very well could be dealt, even if the return for Baltimore is small.
Future for Jones
Adam Jones was a very popular player in Baltimore for many years, and he saw the postseason several times.
However, he still has not won a World Series. A trade to a contender would at least give him an opportunity to win one this year. If he goes to the Indians, he would be playing with more veteran players that have been to the postseason the past two seasons. Going to the Phillies would be different given that they are a much younger squad (and have not been in many big games).
Adam Jones has been one of baseball's most respected players for a number of years, even in his twilight years. While his play on the field is not what it was in his prime, he could still prove useful on a team making a run.