The Orioles and White Sox pulled off a trade sending outfielder/designated hitter Eloy Jimenez and cash from Chicago to Baltimore for minor league reliever Trey McGough. Chicago is reportedly kicking in $4MM to cover almost all of the approximate $4.26MM remaining on his contract. The Sox would also pay down $1.5MM of the $3MM buyout on Jimenez’s 2025 club option, which the O’s are virtually certain to decline.
Jimenez, 27, was one of the highest-profile international signings in recent memory and one of the top-ranked prospects in all of baseball prior to his big league debut. He signed a then-record six-year, $43MM deal before ever playing a big league game. He’s earning $13MM this season in the final guaranteed season of that contract, which also contains club options valued at $16.5MM and $18.5MM for the next two seasons. The O’s should pay the $3MM buyout on his 2025 option, making Jimenez a free agent.
In the early stages of his career, Jimenez largely delivered on the hype, hitting .276/.327/.504 with 71 homers in his first 316 games. That includes a down year in 2021, but the Cuban-born slugger was well above-average in 2019, 2020 and 2022 — including a monster .295/.358/.500 slash with 16 homers in only 84 games in ’22.
Injuries have derailed Jimenez’s career, however. He’s been on the injured list for multiple hamstring strains — including a tear that sent him to the 60-day IL — an adductor strain, an appendectomy procedure, an ulnar nerve injury and a high ankle sprain. His once-potent bat has produced only a .240/.297/.345 output in 2024. Jimenez’s 18.9% strikeout rate is actually a career-low, however, and he’s averaging 92.4 mph off the bat with a huge 50.8% hard-hit rate. The O’s will hope that a change of scenery and those underlying metrics can bring about improvement of some degree, if not a return to peak form.
If that type of turnaround is to come to fruition, Jimenez will need a radical overhaul in his swing, however. He’s posted an astonishing 59.6% ground-ball rate this season — far and away the highest in baseball among active players. (Tim Anderson, released by the Marlins this year, technically leads him at 62.4% but isn’t with a team.) For a player that ranks in the sixth percentile of MLB players in terms of average sprint speed, pounding the ball into the ground that often is never going to yield much benefit — regardless of how hard the ball is put into play.
The Orioles, having moved Austin Hays in last week’s trade bringing reliever Seranthony Dominguez over from the Phillies, were reportedly on the hunt for a right-handed bat. Jimenez will fill that role to some extent, and it’s worth noting that he’s posted a strong .304/.360/.370 batting line against lefties in 2024. Again, however, he’s simply been far too prone to grounders whether facing lefties (59%) or righties (59.7%).
McGough, a 26-year-old lefty, came to the Orioles from the Pirates via the minor league phase of the 2022 Rule 5 Draft. He recently moved to the bullpen after recovering from Tommy John surgery and owns a sparkling 1.99 ERA in 54 1/3 frames between Double-A and Triple-A. He’s fanned 25.5% of his opponents and walked 9.7% of them. FanGraphs’ Eric Longenhagen recently listed him 37th among O’s prospects, calling him a potential low-leverage reliever whose best pitch is an above-average slider.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported the Orioles were finalizing a deal for Jimenez. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported the White Sox were receiving McGough. Ronald Blum of the Associated Press reported the cash breakdown.
Wow!
after seeing what the o’s gave up for rogers this might actually be a good return for southside
lol nvm
People are so wrong about the Os paying to much for Roger’s. Stowers is a 240 hitter in AAA – who hits some homers. He might hit 230 and 20 homers in the majors – Os did a nice job hyping him as a prospect.
Tuck2, it really shows you who the casual fan, keyboard warriors are. The Os did pretty well in that trade. Stowers is a fourth OFer and Norby’s k rate and defensive shortcomings caused him to fall to 16 in fangraphs os prospect rankings. Both those guys have pretty low ceilings so even if the orioles “lose” the trade they still lose very little.
The media in general made it seem like the Orioles had 10 or 12 Mickey Mantles in their farm system. Obviously guys like Gunnar and Westburg have panned out well, but even Holliday is yet to really wow anyone. I don’t see Norby or Stowers becoming stars.
Truth. Mayo is the guy that some folks seem to think norby still is. They did not give up anything from the top shelf of their system here. They dealt second tier at best from areas of significant depth.
You realize how low of ceiling Roger’s has?
Yeah he’s a mid/back end rotation piece at most. All im saying is the orioles didn’t give up any of their high end prospects or get fleeced here A cheap, controlled 4 starter has value.
Looking purely at batting average to evaluate Stowers is selling him extremely short. He has an elite .555 slugging percentage at AAA and an .877 OPS. O’s gave up way too much.
Hi tuck2;
The problem here is that every trading deadline and off-season MLBTR picks up the narrative of (juicy) rumors put out by the usual suspects in the national media – usually working in the northeast – for clicks. Yet year-after-year 95% of those rumors had no validity. But people here expected teams to do what was written, and get all upset when they weren’t remotely in for the players available (if they were even available) and had no intention whatsoever of trading the people the rumors said were possibilities.
I kept writing here that there’s no way the O’s trade off some of the best prospects in MLB for rental players. The amazing thing is that many posters here actually bought into that garbage, and are disappointed that the O’s FO – one of the smartest in MLB – are too timid or stupid or something not to make ridiculous trades.
Now……
Either Gunner starts to play a ML SS or they get Montero healthy (the preferred option), else they try Holliday at SS
so they can get to the WS this year.
Montero…?
Mateo
I would think a guy who asked me if I’d even watched the Orioles shouldn’t make THAT mistake
Samuel has been a front-runner for more than 20 years. He globs onto which ever team brings up a good crop of young players and touts that front office as the best in the business. If that crop doesn’t pan out, he acts like he never mentioned them. Just watch.
The preferred option with Mateo is to have him be on the bench. Don’t need .267 OBP causing empty ABs.
Henderson is Top 4 among AL SS in DRS and max arm strength, and the AL leader in UZR, Range Runs, and average arm strength. Meanwhile Mateo has his third consecutive season with (exactly) .267 Obp and insignificant power, and Holliday’s arm would be worse than every qualified SS except Dylan Moore. Shortstop is among the very least of their concerns, but your two suggestions (Holliday moving back to SS or Mateo starting every day) could certainly create a weakness there.
Huh? Why do the O’s need him?
I think we have learned the Orioles GM isn’t very good today.
Yeah, all he’s done this deadline is:
1. Get Eflin for fifty cents on the dollar a few days ago versus what he would have today if they’d waited and allowed the market to further develop.
2. Get Dominguez for his fifth OFer who had no place on the club anymore.
3. Get Rogers for a fourth OFer in Stowers and a prospect in Norby who can’t play defense and has a 27% k rate at AAA this season after over a tian’s MiLB at bats.
4. Added a veteran fifth OFer at no risk to the team.
Basically, the Orioles might be the biggest deadline winner from the buyers side…but sure, Elias isn’t very good. Haven’t you ever heard that it’s better to keep your mouth shut and have people think you’re stupid than open it and prove them right?
LOL they are far from the biggest winners. They added to fifth starters. Congrats. What’s that doing for you in the playoffs?
“4. Added a veteran fifth OFer at no risk to the team.”
Are you talking about Jimenez? I mean he can play OF, like he can play SS. He probably could catch too.
Elias is that you?
First round exit?
Why not? Only have to give up a total lottery ticket type of prospect and pay his buyout at the end of the season. Maybe a change of scenery and being part of a playoff race reinvigorates him. If it does, that’s a huge bat to add to their lineup, if not they aren’t any worse off than they are presently. That’s a brilliant dice roll to take if you’re the O’s.
They have way better internal options. It’s a stupid move guaranteeing a lot of disgruntled young players ready to leave Baltimore because they are continually get stuck in the minors for no reason.
You do understand that players are under contract, right? There is no scenario under which minor league players can or would “leave Baltimore”. And not one single player is stuck in the minors for no reason, they are there because the Orioles already have somebody better at their position or they aren’t ready.
Hmmm, well obviously the people who actually work for a baseball organization don’t seem to think so. If he manages to return to his previous form any sane person would take what he’s capable of producing over an untested minor leaguer. And they are out essentially nothing if he isn’t any good, so they can still turn to any one of those allegedly superior options if he doesn’t work out. Pretty ridiculous thing to be up in arms about.
You do realize they aren’t under contract forever right? You do plan on retaining some of them?
Mets6986 – Eflin isn’t a 5th starter, and those “frustrated” or blocked guys you mentioned have no years of service time between them
The White Sox are a clown organization who have coaches and a manager that could not manage or coach their way out of a paper bag. I would not be surprised if Jimenez stays healthy (with a real conditioning staff behind him), works with a real hitting coach to regain his power stroke and helps the O’s greatly in the next couple of months. All for little to nothing given up as ‘the Chairman’ refuses to eat salary.
Should have just promoted Mayo
He is still in their system, that remains an option if Eloy continues to stink it up.
@Dirtywater
Thanks for bringing some sensibility to the conversation, dude. I agree that a change of scenery might benefit Eloy. It had to be tough to play for team that has been getting absolutely waxed like the Sox have.
Doesn’t offer much in the field but can fill in some innings in the OF. When he’s going good though…the dude can rake.
Make sure you watch him run the bases.
Absolutely crazy the things comment section GM’s pick to get outraged about lol.
You just made the point. Continue to stink up. Why bring that in? Let’s bring the losing ways of the White Sox into the clubhouse and continue to stink it up and become a wild card team. Brilliant plan.
The White Sox are a clown franchise run by a tightwad control freak who underinvests in and actively sows complete incompetence at every single level of the organization from himself right on down through the front office and personnel, scouts, player development, to even the concessions and parking attendants. And that’s not even just me saying that, I have South Side friends who are White Sox fans and routinely say the same thing. As a tangent, before I stir up a hornets nest with White Sox fans I’m not saying that out of hatred, you’re a loyal and fun fanbase who deserves better.
It runs so much deeper on an existential level that no singular being or entity called Eloy Jimenez could ever have anything to do with it. Trading for one guy is not going to put Jerry Reinsdorf in charge and suddenly White Sox or Bulls-ify the Orioles. We’re not talking about a communicable disease, or even one of the ringleaders of Reinsdorf’s clown show, we’re talking about a designated hitter who happened to be unfortunate enough to be along for the ride. You ever consider the possibility at any point that perhaps he does not want to be part of a losing team, and will be excited to join a group of guys that’s competing?
“complete incompetence at every single level of the organization from himself… to even the concessions.”
Wait a minute, people shading the concession staff? Whoa… I knew I was missing something.
Okay that part was hyperbole but you know what I mean. They are not a competently run baseball team in any sense of the idea.
They will at some point
Just to strictly DH? Hmmm Eloy is Mr.glass
Against LHP
why
For who?
Why? The Orioles have too many hitters.
Too many LH hitters.
They were in the market for a RH guy.
Now…..
If they play Elroy in that large LF at Camden Yards, then we have a problem that no amount of pitching will resolve…..things are bad enough with Gunner attempting to play SS.
To add…..
If he doesn’t hit he’ll be off the O’s roster before the playoffs start.
And then they will be losing a wild card round.
The problem is that Gunnar hasn’t attempted lately…
I thought he was borderline untouchable. Orioles and Pirates going for it. Dodgers doing dick.
When I say untouchable, I mean that no team wanted to touch him despite his talent.
Phillies haven’t done anything. I really want Robert in Philly
Sure you do……
You haven’t seen him play in games.
I’d fans will come to regret even this simple move. What a waste of money by Baltimore.
Salary dump? What a joke.
The Sox rid themselves of the ultimate crystal chandelier
The Sox get guys like this and make not just their fans, but the national baseball media as well think that they have a superstar monster in uniform. Then the guy plays and the fans that actually have to watch the teams games realize he’s a stiff.
Posters on here watch Robert, Jr. highlights and think that’s the way he plays every game. Fans of at least half the teams in MLB have been on here since the season started saying that he’s their ticket to the WS in 2024.
I don’t understand the methodology, but no matter who Jerry brings in they find these players.
I hope they have a lot of bubble wrap to ship him in
If they got back a 12 pack of Cottenelle it was a good deal.
They have to keep the Cottenelle to wrap around Eloy
They sent back whatever the generic TP of Scott’s tp is. Great value toilet paper maybe.
Better be some GD good TP brand! Charmin is good quality, none of that Dollar General TP please!
They better not let him drive when he gets off the plane or he’ll probably get into an accident on the way to the facilities. Better pick him up.
Talk about buying low
In the words of Hawk Harrelson: HELL YES!!!
In the words of Hawk Harrrelson, “I HATE MINORITIES!”
I hope he gets back to form and helps Baltimore win it all for the first time in 41 years.
What’s his health status?
day to day
His feelings are now hurt.
His health status is: Extremely Fragile!!!
Almost DOA.
This makes no sense. I really hope the guy(s) that they gave up, I never heard of
Fine platoon guy for the COF/DH mix, I guess.
Cowser, Mullins, O’Hearn, Kjerstad, Santander. Do they need him?
Our lineup skews very left and we just traded Norby, who was going to be the RHB COF/DH bench guy, so now it will be Jimenez.
Here me out—-Jimenez gets hot down the stretch and we consider that option when Santander walks.
Jbigz – read this carefully,
ZERO chance of this.
People outside Southside have NO IDEA how fragile and how BAAAD Eloy has become,
He gets hurt – soft tissue injuries – just running to 1st base.
Also NO chance Hyde or anyone in Balt will play him in the OF. He can barely run and move, and is a huge OF liability.
He has played little OF this year.
His Only role is DH and PH off bench.
And, yes this current year his Hitting numbers have also been beyond dismal.
So other than Not being able to Run, not able to play in the field, and yes he also cannot Hit the ball either. He leads the planet in ground ball Rates, like 59%.
Other than all of this., He is a great ball player!
Quick flip?
Unnecessary
Wow, the White Sox are so bad lol
Mountcastle being traded?
Salary dump? For a guy who’s a free agent after the season?
$4M this year, and a $3M buyout. They can finish last and still save $7M.
He’s not a free agent. There is a club buyout the Sox now won’t have to pay.
What return? Article suggests its a salary dump.
don’t worry am sure they got 2 big mac meals for him
Byyyyyye mom!
Thanks Cubs!
That’s a nice move by Baltimore. He’s scuffling but when they go Dire Straits and offer something for nothing worth a shot you can turn him around.
He really can’t take the field, so I guess he’s basically a DH vs. lefties.
That is about the only thing that makes any sense
Well, he’s still prone to getting hurt running down first base, so…
WHOA!!!! Orioles?!!!
Good riddance. Any Sox fan will tell you, for all the potential this kid has, what a lazy player. Can’t field, can’t hit, just a big clown. Go away.
Not sure who goes on the DL more. Him or Stanton.
Anthony Rendon has entered the chat.
That should shut down the discussion. At least Eloy limps off the field before going on the IL. Rendon plays a few games and then goes home and texts that he’s injured.
Remember David Segui? He just got hurt from me typing this comment.
Surprised someone took a chance on him. Maybe the Sox just want someone else to pay the $3mil buyout?
Should have just brought up Mayo
Cheap, pathetic franchise. I look forward to watching him resurrect his career away from the dumper fire that is the White Sox.
Are you kidding? Did you ever watch Eloy bat? Or run? Or play the OF? I wish him well.
Jason LaConfora must be losing his mind right about now (and I am loving every minute of it).
Eloy will provide depth to the Orioles Injured List.
Stepping into the batters box newly acquired Eloy ohp tweaked an ankle, heading back to dugout, likely to go on IL.
Great salary dump! Overpaid and underperformed. Maybe the Orioles will make him wear his hat on straight.
White Sox season grade F-, Trade deadline grade F-, Grifol grade F- Mr Getz grade F- and the chairman’s grade is one grade lower than F-.
All grades are deserved. This is a historically bad season on the south side.
The word “historically” is so overused that it’s a breath of fresh air to see it used properly. The Chisox are going to set a lot of long lasting futility records.
Literally no space for him on the Os
He’s not Cuban
What’s the likelihood that when the O’s decline the last two years of his contract, he re-signs with the Sox on a show-me contract, which Getz hails as a “major acquisition” and the Chicago media fall over themselves declaring the ship has been righted and by the middle of April, Baby is on the long-term IR? My crystal ball is cracked and stained with grease, yet this image appears so clear.
Wait…what???
This trade makes 0 sense for the orioles. I understood why they shipped out Austin Hays…he did not have a spot in the lineup…but how does Eloy suddenly get at-bats? I’d rather give those to Hays! Who is the odd man out to give Eloy everyday at-bats?! Makes no sense!
I hope the Sox get the 7th pick in the draft.
They get the tenth.
I predict that Eloy will hit well for Baltimore… he finally has some protection.
Go Cubs!
Eloy’s head is disproportionately small compared to his body
I predict you’re always wrong about predictions
Tell Eloy to take off the 20lb gold chain so he doesn’t pull a hammy leaving the batters box.
This was about as low a buy as you can possibly get
He’s a juicer. Lucky to have gotten anything
Best pure hitter the Sox have had since Hurt Thomas, though he lacks Thomas’ batting eye and plate discipline. Baby’s career in Chi along with those of some of his teammates, notably Yoyo, turned for the worse when batting coach Todd Steverson was let go after the ’20 campaign. Can Baby get healed in Balt? Maybe, but the carousel ofinept batting coaches that followed Steverson did Baby nothing but harm.