The Arizona Diamondbacks have reportedly agreed to terms with veteran outfielder Adam Jones. According to Dontrelle Willis of Fox Sports, Jones will sign after successfully completing a physical. ESPN.com reports that the one-year deal will be worth $3 million.
My boy @SimplyAJ10 is about to be a DBACK. Pending physical 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿 pic.twitter.com/Y8TXLpXBeE
— Dontrelle Willis (@DTrainMLB) March 10, 2019
Jones, 33, has spent 13 seasons in the majors. The Seattle Mariners drafted him in 2003, and he debuted with them in 2006. After two seasons in Seattle, the Mariners traded him to the Baltimore Orioles in February 2008. While in Baltimore, his career blossomed. In 2009, at the age of 23, he had the first of his five All-Star seasons. The other four came consecutively, between 2012 and 2015. During four of those seasons, he also earned a Gold Glove in center field.
Adam Jones, Arizona Diamondbacks Agree to Terms
Orioles Resurgence
The Orioles finished at or above .500 for five straight seasons between 2012 and 2016. This was their longest stretch without a losing season since the 18-year run between 1968 and 1985. Jones was a key part of their resurgence, hitting .278 during those seasons. In addition, he slugged .476 with an OBP of .317. He also averaged 154 games played, 90 runs scored, 173 hits, 30 doubles, 30 home runs, and 90 RBI during that span.
After a tough loss in the 2016 American League Wild Card Game, the Orioles had two consecutive last-place seasons. This included an abysmal 47-115 campaign in 2018 that saw the mid-season departure of All-Star infielder Manny Machado and led to the non-renewal of manager Buck Showalter. During these two seasons, Jones’ average remained around peak levels, hitting .285 in 2017 and .281 in 2018. His doubles remained consistent as well, with 28 and 35 in those seasons. However, his home run totals took a dive in 2018, dropping from 26 to only 15.
Good for Diamondbacks
If Jones passes his physical and joins the Arizona roster, it will improve outfield depth. After the departure of center fielder A.J. Pollock to free agency, this is a plus. Although Jones spent almost his entire career in center field, he played some in left and right last year.
Jones figures to see playing time in all fields, along with mainstay left fielder David Peralta and Steven Souza Jr. in right field. With fleet-footed center fielder Jarrod Dyson nursing an oblique injury, Jones and converted infielder Ketel Marte figure to share duties until his return.
The Diamondbacks will be better than many expect this season, with the additions of Wilmer Flores and Jones. Along with their still-solid rotation and the return of starting pitcher Taijuan Walker from Tommy John Surgery, they should finish toward the top of the competitive National League West.
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