MLB 21st century face of the franchise — Baltimore Orioles: Adam Jones
The recent exodus of talent from Baltimore makes Adam Jones’ selection akin to a survivor’s award. Given the team’s .445 winning percentage for the century and just one divisional title – that followed by a sweep out of the 2014 postseason – one would hardly expect to see Ruthian-level personae in Oriole colors.
So Jones is the pick. Reaching the majors with Seattle in 2006, he was acquired by Baltimore as a 22-year-old in 2008, and immediately installed as the club’s centerfielder. From then until his departure via free agency for Arizona and – one year later – Japan, Jones consistently batted around .280 with 263 home runs and 866 RBI.
Unfortunately for Jones, he did that for a consistent postseason loser. In addition to their 2014 postseason sweep at the hands of the Kansas City Royals, the Jones-led Orioles also lost a divisional series in 2012 and they lost the 2016 AL Wild Card Game. With a career .155 postseason batting average, Jones will not remember those games fondly.
He has, however, had plenty of regular-season moments. Jones’ career 32.2 WAR ranks among the franchise’s 20 best.
In the wings: The Orioles’ present roster is filled with youngsters who might, in the very near future, eclipse Jones in the memory of Baltimore fans. Adley Rutcschman, a 2022 rookie, made a strong first impression at catcher, leading the team in both WAR and on base percentage and establishing himself as able to lead a pitching staff.