SAN DIEGO—Will Adam Jones end his Major League Baseball career by playing in Japan?
Jones, who played for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019 after 11 seasons with the Orioles, is close to a multi-year agreement with Japan’s Orix Buffaloes, according to a report in The Athletic.
After the 2018 season with the Orioles, Jones hoped to secure a multi-year contract but settled for a one-year, $3 million deal with the Diamondbacks that he didn’t sign until March 11.
In July 2018, the Orioles tried to trade Jones to the Philadelphia Phillies, but he invoked the no-trade clause he earned by playing for 10 years in the majors and five years with the Orioles.
Although he hoped to re-sign, Jones knew that the Orioles were moving in a different direction.
Jones was one of the best players in Orioles history and is among the team’s all-time leaders in several categories. He ranks fourth in hits (1,781), fifth in home runs (263) and runs (875).
Jones hit .260 in 137 games with 16 home runs and 67 RBIs with the Diamondbacks. The longtime Oriole centerfielder had just one start there in 2019. The rest came in right field.
Orioles add pitcher Marcos Diplan: The Orioles claimed right-handed pitcher Marcos Diplan on waivers from the Detroit Tigers on Monday.
Detroit had claimed the 23-year-old from Minnesota on September 16. The Twins acquired him from Milwaukee in a minor league deal in July.
In 38 games with the Brewers’ Double-A Pensacola and Minnesota’s Double-A Biloxi, Diplan was 3-5 with three saves and a 4.85 ERA In 57 2/3 innings. Diplan struck out 73 and walked 44.
Diplan has averaged more than a strikeout per inning and nearly five walks per nine innings in his minor league career.
The Orioles have 38 players on their 40-man roster.
Winter Meetings Charity Auction: The Orioles are offering experiences and memorabilia in the Winter Meetings Charity Auction. The auction benefits ALS charities.
They’re offering lunch for two with starting pitcher John Means and an opportunity to watch an inning of a game from general manager Mike Elias’ suite and attend manager Brandon Hyde’s pregame press conference.
To participate, visit MLB.com/WinterMeetingsAuction.
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It seems like I am hearing much more about players choosing to head overseas to continue their career. Has there really been an uptick across baseball? Or is this more indicative of having a team in the rebuild process and it would be likely that players on this roster might do better (earn more) overseas?
The emphasis on youth over good but not great 30-somethings probably has a lot to do with it. Also, I think you are correct about the change of the rebuild process leading to more players heading to japan. If this keeps going, MLB players will have careers that are only a little longer than their NFL counterparts, and there is far less physical wear and tear in baseball!
Cedar, it seems that veterans such as Adam Jones aren't in high demand around baseball, and certainly not being given multi-year contracts.
I think Jones will adapt well to playing overseas. His upbeat personality will probably play well well over there.
Soooooo....Marcos Diplan? That's daplan? I understand that Mr. Elias is most likely playing a numbers game with all these low level pitching prospect acquisitions lately ... but really .... talk about throwing the proverbial poop against the wall ... this is a perfect example.
And a Tiger reject to boot. Wait a minute ... could it be that Mike is simply making sure the Tigers don't beat him out for the top overall pick again by taking on their last place leftovers?
My thoughts exactly Boog! I thought we were trying to cut down the # of walks by our pitchers, then we acquire a middle of the road prospect who averages 5 walks per 9. At this pace we will certainly set a new all time record for the # of losses in one season.
Picking up a reject from the team that lost more games last season than we did!! Somewhere between pathetic and hateful to O's fans.
"Jones, who played for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019 after 11 seasons with the Orioles, is close to a multi-year agreement with Japan’s Orix Buffaloes, according to a report in The Athletic."
Adam Jones, please please please please PLEASE! Ask the Buffaloes to take Crush D with you