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MLB Hot Stove: Possible landing spots for Adam Jones

By Kristen Bentley

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 30: Adam Jones #10 of the Baltimore Orioles waves to crowd after being pulled from the game in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 30: Adam Jones #10 of the Baltimore Orioles waves to crowd after being pulled from the game in the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 11: Adam Jones #10 of the Baltimore Orioles bats against the Oakland Athletics at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 11, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

The former face of the Baltimore Orioles, Adam Jones, is in a challenging position in the MLB Hot Stove season. At age 33, he’s a free agent in a league that values youth.

If this MLB Hot Stove season has taught us anything, it’s that players like Adam Jones will be signed, but the contract will be short and for not as much as he might have gotten a few years ago.

Jones, who has five All-Star Games, four Gold Glove awards, and one Silver Slugger in his credentials is a solid player who would certainly be an asset on any team.

Unfortunately for Jones, there are not many teams that are in need of a 33-year-old outfielder who played on the worst team in the game in 2018. Despite the Orioles being terrible in 2018, Jones wasn’t. He hit .281/.313/.419 with 15 home runs and 63 RBI.

While his slash was close to his 13-year career average, his power numbers were down slightly. He played in 145 games but had nine fewer home runs than he did in 147 games in 2017. But, his doubles numbers were up by seven over the previous season. His walks and strikeouts were both down, too.

Jones has been the epitome of consistency in all of his years. Since joining the Orioles in 2008, the center fielder has been consistent at the plate and in the field. In those 11 years, his OPS+ numbers have ranged between 87 and 125, with an average of 108. He’s had seven seasons with batting averages in the .280s.

While his best years were 2012-2015, he is still a player with value. He can hit, he can field, and he is an asset in the clubhouse and community. Yes, his fielding has dropped off a bit over the years, but his range, especially at right field is above average.

He may be a center fielder historically, but it might be time to move him to one of the corners instead. Regardless of where he plays, there are teams that need outfielders who can hit – especially consistently. And, plenty of the teams filled with young players could use a veteran leader like Jones.

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