It looks like the one big wish that we’ve been hoping for as fans will soon come true. If the report from Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi is correct, Oriole center-fielder Adam Jones will be in Charm City for a long time — and a very rich young man, to boot.
The Orioles, building on their early season momentum, are close to signing center fielder Adam Jones to a club-record contract extension, major-league sources say.
The deal, according to one source, will be “well north” of the two largest deals in team history – Miguel Tejada’s six-year, $72 million free-agent deal and Nick Markakis’ six-year, $66.1 million extension.
Jones, 26, is eligible for free agency after next season. He has emerged as a leader, offensive centerpiece and defensive stalwart for the Orioles, who entered Friday with a 28-17 record, the best in the American League.
The signing of Jones is almost certain to be well-received in Baltimore, where the Orioles are trying to end their streak of 14 consecutive losing seasons.
Jones is among the league leaders in several offensive categories. He ranks fourth with a .958 OPS, is tied for second with 14 homers and also is tied for eighth with 29 RBIs.
If the deal happens, it’s a no brainer for the organization. Jones had to be signed with Baltimore for the long term considering his age, potential, and sudden rise in the first two months of the season.
Well, signing any young player to a long term – or anyone, case studies: Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, and a multitude of others – is a very big risk; however, if the Orioles are going to compete and have credibility with the fanbase, they have to keep their core and high-valued nuggets in town for the long term.
Most fans knew the Orioles and Jones were going to come to a deal — if was a matter of if, when, and the cost.
Jones could have waited for a monster pay-day in a little more than a year and exercised his right as a free agent. However, it’s good to see a guy stick with a team long-term – especially with the Orioles’ losing history the past decade-plus – and willingness to be part of the solution.
