Adam Jones was acquired by the Baltimore Orioles before the 2008 season from the Seattle Mariners in a six-player deal that sent Erik Bedard to the Pacific Northwest.
At the time, Jones was considered a top prospect and the Orioles always hoped he would turn into a power-hitting outfielder who would be a cornerstone of their next contending team.
It's taken almost five seasons, but Jones appears to have reached that level. Now 26 and entering what should be his prime years, Jones is hitting .311/.357/.601 with 14 home runs and the Orioles are in first place. Jones is making $6,150,000 this year and would be eligible for free agency after the 2013 season, so the Orioles are taking action:
BREAKING: Sources tell me and @jonmorosi that #Orioles are close to signing Adam Jones to a long-term extension.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 25, 2012
And just how much would this deal be worth? We are not certain yet, but Rosenthal further reports:
Terms not known, but sources say record commitment by #Orioles, "well north" of M. Tejada's 6/72 FA deal and N. Markakis' 6/66.1 extension.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 25, 2012
Based on Jones' age and production this year, that'd likely be worth it for the Orioles.
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