BALTIMORE—Adam Jones isn’t sure what he’ll do if the Orioles approach him about a trade. Jones can veto any proposed deal because he’s been in the major leagues for 10 years and five with the Orioles.
“It’s like the first day of school when you wear that outfit and you see what kind of interest everybody has in you — who’s flirting with you and whatnot,” Jones said.
“It’s cool, it’s flattering. It’s uncommon territory. I’ve never been in a situation where my name has been mentioned in trades since 2011 with the Braves or something. It’s definitely uncommon territory. But, it’s the business.”
After watching Manny Machado and Zach Britton, both longtime teammates, walk out that door in the last eight days, Jones doesn’t wonder if he’s next — because of the trade veto he’s earned by seniority.
“They could be traded without their acknowledgement,” Jones said “They could be traded at 2 o’clock in the morning while they sleep. They’re two different scenarios. Honestly, Manny is a once-in-a-lifetime guy who’s going to get the megadeal and obviously they’re not doing it here.
“Zach has an opportunity since the closers are getting a lot of money, goes out and has a very good two months with New York, he can line himself up for a pretty good contract somewhere. Me, I’m older. So it’s a little different. I guess my market is completely different from those two.”
Jones has been linked with Cleveland, Philadelphia and San Francisco in reports, but he’s not busy researching those situations.
“Pretty humbling to see that other team have interest in my services, either with on-field play, leadership, tough mindset, show up every day, work mentality that I have,” Jones said.
“To not wear black and orange, I’ve donned it for 11 years. It’d be different, but it’s business. You’ve got to go if the other team is calling you, the other team is paying you. It’s what you’ve got to do.”
Buck Showalter, who’s managed Jones for nearly eight years, continues to speak highly of Jones.
“I think Adam would be good in any situation,” Showalter said. “Adam is very adaptable. Nobody loves to win more than him…I guarantee if I was a club in contention I’d be wanting an Adam Jones on my club.”
Jones hasn’t been approached by the club for an extension, and isn’t sure what he’d do if he were. But he knows that if he stays with the Orioles for the final two months of 2018—and beyond, he may have to yield center field to Cedric Mullins, who’s at Triple-A Norfolk.
“That would be another discussion,” Jones said. “The season we’re having, these young guys need to be called up. The Mullins and [DJ] Stewarts of the world need to be called up. I think the most important thing is to get them at-bats. Not necessarily positional, it’s at-bats. The hardest thing to do in this game is to hit.
“Defense, Mullins and Stewart would be fine. Mullins would be fine no matter where he plays defense. The biggest test to see if someone can play is, can they hit at this level? Everyone says this is the guy of the future, that’s every organization, but as soon as they get here they struggle because it’s hard. I think these kids just need to get the opportunity to get the at-bats. It doesn’t matter where they play.”
Jones doesn’t relish leaving Baltimore. His wife is from here, the couple has two young sons, and he’s heavily involved in community activities.
“What would happen to all the things I’ve done?” Jones said.
“Who would pick up the slack? Who would pick up all the community involvement? A lot of stuff has to continue because those kids are counting on funding each year to continue the program that they’re striving and grinding their ways through. There’s a lot of dynamics to me here in Baltimore. It’s not just between the lines, between the city limits, county limits.”
Between now and Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline for non-waiver trades, there will be lots of discussion about Jones—and maybe some with the Orioles.
“They can say whatever they want and propose whatever they want, but I can be like, ‘Ehh you know what? That doesn’t work for me,” Jones said.
“But it’s interesting. We shall see what happens. I don’t know what the plan is here for the future or if I’m even part of it. Let’s see what interest can be generated and see how my representation and my family feel about something that could happen…There’s going to be some discussions soon because I guess I am next in line to get off the books.”
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Good guy. I hope he’s traded. Loyalty is the enemy in this case. Time to start completely over.
It isn't surprising that he is uncertain what he would do if the Orioles receive a trade offer. I believe a lot would have to do with whether he thought the new team would be a good fit for him. If it is then I think he would approve the trade. He would have an opportunity to possibly play in the postseason. This is something every player desires. Jones has been an important part of the team's success as well as his efforts in the Baltimore community. Most fans would like to see him return next year, whether or not he is traded. However, being part of rebuild where the postseason are likely years away is something I doubt he would do.
Adam has been a great player for the O's over the past 10 seasons. He will be missed his presence in center field and community contributions off the field have made him a fan favorite. He has become a fixture like the Inner Harbor, National Aquarium and Charm'tastic Mile. If this is his last few days and games as an Oriole let him have his respect and wish him well for the rest of his career. He might have his number 10 retired it's something to think about.
It would be nice to see Jones get a taste of the postseason with one of the teams chasing him, then re-sign for three years with the Orioles in the winter. I disagree with the people I hear who say he has no part of a rebuild scenario. I can't think af anyone who would be MORE important than a player like Jones, somebody who can show the younger players what it takes to succeed at the major league level. His skills on the field are still pretty high, but that clubhouse presence would be a huge factor in how quickly some of these guys can jell. Get some prospects for him, send him to the right situation where he might get to the Series, then bring him back to help the O's transition back to contenders. If he is on a three year contract, they should be contending by the time is over.
I watched a 10min MASN interview with him yesterday. His verbal and physical response to being part of a rebuild with pretty clear. He said something to the effect of: “I’ve already been part of a rebuild here.”
I feel the way most do about him. He’s a HOF Oriole, a virtual saint in the community and could be a great veteran presence for upcoming prospects. But he wants to win and wants to play where he’s wanted.
I felt he was referencing, and I agree this is ridiculous, that the FO hasn’t even hinted at the possibility of extensions for many of our biggest contributors over the past few years. Just having that open discussion could have at least made these guys feel wanted and appreciated.
One thing seems clear from the comments on this post and the diner question: Adam Jones is unquestionably admired by Orioles fans.