New York Yankees: Will the Bronx Bombers add Adam Jones?
By Paul Ashley
After receiving unfortunate news that Aaron Judge will miss at least three weeks due to a chip fracture in his hand, Could Yankees rumors pick up around grabbing additional offense prior to the trade deadline?
Aaron Judge will likely return to the New York Yankees prior to the end of August. This would normally not be a major problem for a team that is 29 games over .500 prior to the July 31st trade deadline; however, the Yankees need every win down the stretch in order to catch their archrival as the Boston Red Sox are currently 38 games over .500. So, the Yankees rumors of needing a “fill in” are going to pick up.
Without Judge, the Yankees still have a formidable outfield of Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Hicks, and Brett Gardner. However, with Clint Frazier and Jacoby Ellsbury battling injuries, it makes sense for the Yankees to look for additional help in the outfield. Adam Jones could be the perfect fit.
The Baltimore Orioles are now in the midst of a rebuild following the Manny Machado. By moving Zach Britton to the Yankees, the Orioles have also shown their willingness to work within the division to improve their team. As Adam Jones owns 10-5 rights, he will have his choice on where he is traded.
Due to the 10-5 rights, it makes sense that Jones would want to be moved to a contender. It also makes sense for the Orioles to try to work with the Yankees to obtain even more pieces for their rebuild.
Jones is currently in the final year of his contract with the Orioles and will be owed the prorated amount of his $17.333 million salary this season. After acquiring Britton from the O’s and J.A. Happ from the Toronto Blue Jays, the Yankees are pushing up near the tax threshold.
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It is a goal for the Yankees front office to stay beneath the $197 million tax threshold, so the Orioles would need to help with Jones’ salary. However, if Jones has a desire to play with the Bronx Bombers, the Orioles will most likely help him get where he wants to be traded.
This assumption is because of all Jones has done for the Baltimore franchise from 2008-2018 (and also because a trade would help the rebuild process more than keeping Jones would help it).
Through 411 plate appearances this season, Jones has 37 extra-base hits and a .422 slugging percentage. Although those numbers are not anywhere near what Aaron Judge puts up, Jones would provide a veteran presence on a young, talented Yankees team.
Todd Frazier was a large part of the Yankees postseason push in 2017 due to his veteran presence. To compare numbers, Frazier had 31 extra-base hits and a .432 slugging percentage through 335 plate appearance prior to his trade to New York last season.
Although the Yankees would have a crowded outfield when Judge returns from his stint on the disabled list, the added value of Jones could make an impact on this team.
Jones is a 5-time All-Star, a 4-time Gold Glove recipient, and a 1-time Silver Slugger. He also has 14 games of playoff experience as a member of the Orioles. Including 5 games against the Yankees in 2012.
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Aaron Hicks has a history of injuries. Clint Frazier and Jacoby Ellsbury also continue to have lingering injuries. Due to this, it makes sense for the Yankees to consider Adam Jones as a trade target following the news of the injury to Aaron Judge.