With Opening Day just over a month away, we’ll take a look at a member of the 2016 Orioles every day as they try to return to the playoffs for the third time in five years this season.
CF Adam Jones
Age: 30
Contract status: Signed through the 2018 season
2015 stats: .269/.308/.474, 27 HR, 82 RBI, 74 R, 3 SB, 581 PA
Why to be impressed: The five-time All-Star center fielder remains the heart and soul of the Orioles and posted the lowest strikeout rate (17.7 percent) of his career and his highest contact rate (75.7 percent) since 2008 last year. Jones has hit 25 or more home runs in five straight seasons in the heart of the order, and his .286 batting average on balls in play suggests he hit into some tough luck last year.
Why to be concerned: Jones missed 25 games with shoulder, back, and ankle issues in 2015 after missing a combined 29 contests in his previous five seasons, making one wonder if he needs a few more days off at this point in his career. The veteran posted his highest walk rate (4.2 percent) since 2012, but it’s fair to ask how his free-swinging approach will fare as his bat speed slows on the other side of 30.
2016 outlook: Despite critics picking apart his approach at the plate for years, Jones has been as consistent as they come over the last five years and was having his typical strong season before injuries caught up with him in 2015. Even if Jones’ bat doesn’t age well, there just wasn’t any statistical evidence a year ago to suggest any notable decline is coming in 2016, especially if he gets an occasional day off.
2016 not-so-scientific projections: .279/.316/.470, 28 HR, 88 RBI, 90 R, 6 SB, 662 PA
