Phillies Rumors: Adam Jones appreciates club’s interest, likely to stay with Orioles

It’s nothing against the Phillies or the city of Philadelphia, but Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones doesn’t appear likely to waive his no-trade clause to join the first place club. Or any club, for that matter.

According to Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports, it appears that the Orioles front-office approached the five-time All-Star about waiving his 10-and-5 rights to accept a trade to the Phillies. Jones didn’t budge:

there was a chance to go to Philly, but Adam Jones has decided to stay in Baltimore (at least for now) due to reasons of family, friends, fans and his charity. can’t blame him for that. tough call, he appreciates the interest. possibility to revisit after the deadline also.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2018

It would appear that general manager Matt Klentak and the Phillies front-office was in fairly advanced talks with the Orioles for the 32-year-old. In fact, Roch Kubatko of MASN reported Sunday that the Phillies “were making a strong push” for Jones. Kubatko also added that the San Francisco Giants and Cleveland Indians had interest in Jones, so this doesn’t appear to be a matter of Jones having reservations about playing in Philadelphia. Rather, Jones doesn’t seem overly interested in leaving Baltimore.

To some, it may seem strange that in his 13th big league season Jones wouldn’t jump at the chance to join a pennant race. The Orioles are currently 32-74, the worst record in baseball. They’ve already traded Manny Machado, Zach Britton and Brad Brach. Still, Jones is an icon in Baltimore and that’s where his life is. The Phillies likely would have asked him to move to right field if they acquired him and given that he could be a free-agent at the conclusion of the season, he likely would only be a rental. And while Jones likely would have started a majority of the Phillies games, with Nick Williams on the roster, it’s possible there would have been some days that the Phillies would have asked him to come off the bench. For Jones to waive his no-trade clause, it may have taken a perfect storm. The Phillies, it appears, weren’t that to him.

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Despite acquiring Asdrubal Cabrera from the New York Mets Friday in an attempt to sure up their infield, it’s apparent that the Phillies would still like to add an outfielder. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported earlier this week that the Phillies were interested in Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Curtis Granderson, something I suggested earlier this month could make sense. Granderson has yet to be traded, so he could still be an option.

It’s also possible that the Phillies best outfield additions could be internal. The oft-injured, but immensely talented Roman Quinn rejoined the club this past weekend. And there has to be some hope from the Phillies that Aaron Altherr – who was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley a week ago – will figure things out and have an impact for the major league team down the stretch.

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