{"id":111685,"date":"2026-01-05T21:18:36","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T02:18:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=111685"},"modified":"2026-01-05T21:18:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T02:18:36","slug":"orioles-snag-outfielder-jhonkensy-noel-off-waivers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/01\/05\/orioles-snag-outfielder-jhonkensy-noel-off-waivers\/","title":{"rendered":"Orioles Add Clutch-Hitting Outfielder Off Waivers from Guardians"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Baltimore Orioles claimed Cleveland Guardians outfielder <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/n\/noeljh01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-05_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jhonkensy Noel<\/a> off waivers, adding to a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/12\/10\/pete-alonso-signs-baltimore-orioles\/\" target=\"_self\">deepening<\/a> offensive core. It also marks their first notable offseason move of the 2026 calendar year.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_111690\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-111690\" style=\"width: 782px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-111690\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/USATSI_27076968_168400885_lowres-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"782\" height=\"521\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/USATSI_27076968_168400885_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/USATSI_27076968_168400885_lowres-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/USATSI_27076968_168400885_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/USATSI_27076968_168400885_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/USATSI_27076968_168400885_lowres-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/USATSI_27076968_168400885_lowres-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/01\/USATSI_27076968_168400885_lowres-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 782px) 100vw, 782px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-111690\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sep 13, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pinch hitter Jhonkensy Noel (43) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Chicago White Sox during the eighth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Orioles Pick Up Jhonkensy Noel Off Waivers<\/h2>\n<p>The Guardians designated Noel for assignment on Dec. 17 before he hit waivers after the Christmas and New Year&#8217;s holidays, according to <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.cleveland.com\/guardians\/2026\/01\/former-guardians-slugger-claimed-on-waivers-reliever-invited-to-spring-training.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cleveland.com<\/a>. Baltimore designated right-handed pitcher <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/soriage01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-05_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">George Soriano<\/a> for assignment in a corresponding move.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">We have made the following roster moves: <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/zDxCl6JH4J\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/zDxCl6JH4J<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Orioles\/status\/2008267373506396322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">January 5, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Nicknamed &#8220;Big Christmas&#8221; for his size and surname, Noel is the second outfielder acquisition by the team this offseason, following the team&#8217;s trade for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/w\/wardta01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-05_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Taylor Ward<\/a> from the Los Angeles Angels. He also joins a corps with rookie <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/b\/beavedy01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-05_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dylan Beavers<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/c\/cowseco01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-05_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Colton Cowser<\/a>, and veteran <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=oneilty01,oneill001tyl,oneill002tyl&amp;search=Tyler+O&#039;Neill&amp;utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-05_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler O&#8217;Neill<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>A Risky Hitter Known For Clutch Hits<\/h3>\n<p>The 24-year-old holds an alarming 34% strikeout rate and an obscene 49% chase rate with a 35% whiff rate. He makes up for it with a speedy 78 mph bat speed and 41% hard hit rate. He also ranks in the 83rd percentile for arm strength when fielding. Most of his metrics regressed against all pitches, but still hit well against breaking balls.<\/p>\n<p>Across all statistical categories, Noel saw a significant regression in his contact and on-base rates, falling below .200 in both categories. His walk rate also crashed to less than 3%. He does offer immense upside if he is able to piece a strong campaign together.<\/p>\n<p>Noel is known for his game-tying home run in game three of the 2024 American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees. Recently, he also hit a <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.cleveland.com\/guardians\/2025\/09\/jhonkensy-noel-calls-his-shot-homers-off-cy-young-winner-as-guardians-tighten-al-central-race.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">critical<\/a> game-tying home run off <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/s\/skubata01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-05_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tarik Skubal<\/a> in 2025 during a tight AL Central race.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">JHONKENSY NOEL TIES IT WITH A PINCH HIT HOME RUN! BIG CHRISTMAS!!!! <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/lNI52HYw0Y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/lNI52HYw0Y<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Talkin&#8217; Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TalkinBaseball_\/status\/1847075661979979824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">October 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Orioles Continue Bolstering Lineup In Offseason<\/h3>\n<p>Noel will likely fit as an option off the bench in 2026, suggesting a current outfielder could be heading to the waivers. If they cannot fit him in, he could act as a pinch-hitter for new free agent acquisition <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/a\/alonspe01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-05_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pete Alonso<\/a> or Ward in the outfield.<\/p>\n<p>The team is focusing on power production from their lineup to give protection to their younger stars in the lineup. Alonso hit 38 home runs in 2025, while Ward slapped a career-high 36 home runs. Noel, despite his volatility at the plate, fits the direction the team is seeking to go to complement <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hendegu01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-05_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gunnar Henderson<\/a> and catcher <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rutscad01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-05_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adley Rutschman<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Baltimore also holds around $64 million in tax space to use during the rest of the offseason. The team has not currently been linked to any remaining free agent bats, but has been named as frontrunners for pitcher <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/players\/v\/valdefr01.shtml?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2026-01-05_br\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Framber Valdez<\/a> and, recently, <a  href=\"https:\/\/sports.yahoo.com\/articles\/orioles-rumors-baltimore-very-aggressive-220351812.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ranger Su\u00e1rez<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Baltimore Orioles claimed Cleveland Guardians outfielder Jhonkensy Noel off waivers, adding to a deepening offensive core. It also marks their first notable offseason move of the 2026 calendar year. Orioles Pick Up Jhonkensy Noel Off Waivers The Guardians designated Noel for assignment on Dec. 17 before he hit waivers after the Christmas and New [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5304,"featured_media":111334,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3,1071,35],"tags":[2657,28657,29126,2359,2688,28771,2402,3082,4200,1978],"class_list":["post-111685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-orioles","category-mlb","category-news","tag-adley-rutschman","tag-colton-cowser","tag-dylan-beavers","tag-framber-valdez","tag-gunnar-henderson","tag-jhonkensy-noel","tag-pete-alonso","tag-tarik-skubal","tag-taylor-ward","tag-tyler-oneill"],"modified_by":"Lewis Masella, Site Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111685","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5304"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=111685"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111685\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":111692,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/111685\/revisions\/111692"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/111334"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=111685"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=111685"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=111685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}