Team #1: Cleveland Indians
Although this list isn’t in particular order, if you asked me what team I think Adam Jones is most likely to sign with, I would say the Cleveland Indians.
The current Indians’ squad is in the midst of their figurative championship window — the core of Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer and Carlos Carrasco are all either in or near their prime — therefore they’re in an ideal spot to make a free agent splurge on a reliable offensive outfielder like Jones. There were rumors linking Jones to the Tribe at this year’s deadline, but those were quickly dismissed when the vet exercised his no-trade clause. Instead, the Indians had to settle on acquiring Leonys Martin and Melky Cabrera to fortify the outfield, although neither provide the offensive boost Jones would have.
After missing out on Jones in July, I think Cleveland will be aggressive in pursuing him this offseason as current right fielder Michael Brantley is an impending free agent, as are depth OFers Rajai Davis, Brandon Guyer, and Lonnie Chisenhall. This leaves an even greater need for the Tribe to shop for outfielders this winter, and Jones could swiftly replace Brantley in right field.
The Indians might also prefer to sign Adam Jones and not bring back Brantley because of the two’s opposing injury history. Brantley only managed to play 101 games over the last two seasons due to injury, and has undergone both shoulder and ankle surgery since 2015. Meanwhile, Jones has been relatively healthy his entire career; the last (and only) time he was placed on the disabled list took place in 2009, and since then he’s played over 145 games/season in all but one of his 13 years in the Majors.
Since Cleveland is in the worst division in baseball history, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they make it back to the postseason in 2019. Signing Jones would give the Tribe the extra push they need to go from World Series hopeful to legitimate contender, as the Brad Hand and Josh Donaldson acquisitions have done this year.