Arizona Diamondbacks sign Adam Jones to one year deal
After what seemed like the most infuriating MLB Free Agency season that will never end, one more top player has finally come off of the board, as the Arizona Diamondbacks signed Adam Jones.
Yes, there are still a few top players patiently or impatiently waiting out MLB Free Agency, but Adam Jones is no longer part of that group.
He got a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks who lost their former center fielder to free agency and their rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
With Jones joining a baseball team, the universe appears to be back in order. FS1’s Dontrelle Willis broke the news on Twitter and it was easy to see the smiles appearing across the faces of fans everywhere:
My boy @SimplyAJ10 is about to be a DBACK. Pending physical 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿 pic.twitter.com/Y8TXLpXBeE
— Dontrelle Willis (@DTrainMLB) March 10, 2019
Ken Rosenthal confirmed the deal through his sources and expects that Ketel Marte will play a utility role Jones at center field. The deal is pending a physical, but with Jones working out with the expectation of playing in 2019, it shouldn’t be a problem.
Source confirms: #DBacks close to signing free-agent outfielder Adam Jones. Deal is in place, pending physical, per my man @DTrainMLB. Marte likely would assume more of a super-utility role with Jones on club, playing infield, playing all over.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 10, 2019
The big question is what number will Jones wear? Number 10 is already taken by Tim Locastro. But, with his limited time with the D-backs, Locastro might be willing to give it to Jones who has worn #10 since his time with the Seattle Mariners in 2007. He wore #25 in 2006 with the Mariners, too.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
This deal appears to be for one year and for $3 million according to MLB.com. This is good news for Jones, especially as other veteran players like Jose Iglesias, Matt Wieters, and Yangervis Solarte signed minor league deals. However, $3 millions is a far cry from the money he was making in Baltimore ($17 million in 2018). Still, it’s better than nothing.
There are still questions about the other top free agents on the list. Outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, who has spent the majority of his career with the Rockies, is still available. And, the Indians still need a decent and affordable outfielder.
Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez are the two best starting pitchers still on the MLB Free Agency list and with the Yankees losing CC Sabathia and Luis Severino to injuries, could one or both go to the Bronx? Craig Kimbrel is still available. What team is so good that it doesn’t need an All-Star, veteran closer?
dark. Next. The five worst MLB contracts in 2019
These are all good players who deserve to be on a team. But, now that Jones is on a team, all seems better in the world of baseball. NL West teams and fans haven’t had much experience with the heart and hustle that Jones brings to the game. But, soon, very soon, they’ll see why the Orioles and their fans loved him so much. Congratulations, Adam Jones, and welcome to the Arizona Diamondbacks!