The Chicago White Sox will trade Eloy Jiménez to the Baltimore Orioles, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. To acquire Jiménez, the Orioles will trade relief pitcher Trey McGough to the White Sox and eat most of the remaining money owed to Jiménez. This marks the second deal of the deadline season in which Baltimore ate money to avoid sending better prospects.
Trade news: The Baltimore Orioles are finalizing a deal to acquire outfielder Eloy Jimenez from the Chicago White Sox, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2024
Jiménez is owed the remainder of his $13 million salary this year. His deal also comes with two club options, but Baltimore will likely exercise a $3 million buyout following this season.
Baltimore Orioles Trade For Eloy Jiménez
Chicago initially signed Jiménez to a six-year, $43 million deal, expecting to receive great value in the prime years of a player with game-changing power. Unfortunately, the deal has not played out that way, as injuries and underperformance have derailed Jiménez’s career. Plus, his value dramatically decreases as injuries and a natural lack of athleticism push him to a DH role at such a young age.
In 65 games this year, Jiménez has hit .240/.297/.345 with just five homers and nine doubles. His game features way too much whiff and chase, which prevents him from accessing most of his raw power.
That said, Jiménez does not strike out as often as a slugger typically does. Additionally, he ranks among the league’s best in average exit velocity and hard-hit percentage. Jiménez also has above-league-average barrel percentage and bat speed.
#MLBTonight weighs in on the Orioles’ reported addition of White Sox slugger Eloy Jiménez.#TradeDeadline | #Birdland pic.twitter.com/tjgGP9HMhT
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 30, 2024
Even with his struggles, Jiménez hits left-handed pitching incredibly well. The Orioles could platoon Jiménez at DH with lefty-swinging Ryan O’Hearn.
Perhaps the Orioles think they can unlock Jiménez’s potential after this trade. The White Sox have been a mess on the field this year and reportedly off the field as well. It wouldn’t be too shocking if the talented Jiménez gets energized after joining a tight division race in an elite American League East.
Entering 2024, Jiménez produced a .487 slugging and 118 OPS+ with solid walk and strikeout rates in 1,777 career plate appearances. Before this season, Jiménez has hit well when not on the injured list. At just 27 years old, it’s not hard to think that a change of scenery will do Jiménez well.
Baltimore has predominantly rotated various players in the DH spot this season. It’s doubtful that the team will want to put Jiménez in the spacious left field at Camden Yards, so it’s safe to expect him to take up most of the DH at-bats down the stretch.
Photo Credit: © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
