JUST NOW: Orioles Veteran Slugger Shocks Fans with Minor League Pact with AL East Foe
As the holiday season is in full swing and the new year approaches, the Baltimore Orioles’ roster remains a work in progress. General Manager Mike Elias is expected to make a few more moves before the team heads to Sarasota for spring training, though the club has been relatively quiet despite the hot stove heating up just before Christmas.
Late Sunday night and into Monday morning brought a flurry of activity, with several potential Orioles targets coming off the free agent and trade markets. However, one move on Monday afternoon involving a former Orioles hitter caught many by surprise.
According to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, Eloy Jimenez, who was acquired at the 2024 trade deadline, is signing a one-year minor league deal with Tampa Bay. Once a top prospect with tremendous potential, Jimenez was let go by the Orioles earlier this offseason after the team declined his $16.5 million contract option for 2025.
Former Orioles’ DH Eloy Jimenez accepts minor league deal with Tampa
When Eloy Jimenez joined the Orioles from Chicago, manager Brandon Hyde expressed hope that the slugger could heat up and contribute down the stretch. Unfortunately, things didn’t pan out as planned. Jimenez slashed just .232/.270/.316 in 100 plate appearances, managing only one home run and five doubles during his brief stint in Baltimore.
Despite his struggles, Jimenez has been a better hitter throughout his career than what he showed with the Orioles. With a career 112 wRC+, he’s been 12% better than the league average offensively, though his wRC+ in Baltimore was a disappointing 69. Some of his struggles could be attributed to bad luck on contact in 2024, as he continues to hit the ball as hard as nearly anyone in the game. Tampa Bay will hope to unlock his potential and get him back on track.
For Jimenez, staying healthy remains the biggest challenge. He’s played more than 100 games in just two seasons, maxing out at 122 games back in 2019. If he can tweak his approach and get a full season of at-bats, this move could prove to be a smart gamble for the Rays.
Adding to the sting for the Orioles, left-hander Trey McGough, whom they sent to Chicago in the Jimenez trade, thrived after the deal. McGough posted a 1.98 ERA over 27 innings with Chicago’s Triple-A affiliate, the Charlotte Knights, and is now in contention for a big-league roster spot. With Chicago’s bullpen needing reinforcements, McGough is well-positioned to make an impact.