Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic reports that the Arizona Diamondbacks are nearing an agreement with outfielder Adam Jones on a one-year deal. Jeff Passan of ESPN hears that the deal will give Jones $3 million in 2019.
Jones, 33, played all of last season and each of the last 11 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. In 145 games in 2018, the outfielder hit .281/.313/.419 with 15 home runs and 63 RBI to give himself a 0.5 fWAR and 98 wRC+.
His defense, though, has taken a hit over the last three years as he has -47 defensive runs saved over the last three years, including -25 in 2018. His ultimate zone rating was no better, sitting at -12 this past season.
Dontrelle Willis actually announced that Jones was nearing a deal and Jon Heyman of Fancred also provided details regarding the deal.
The signing of Jones is expected to lead to Ketel Marte becoming a super-utility player.
Earlier in the offseason, the Mets expressed interest in Jones before acquiring Keon Broxton in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers and deciding that Jeff McNeil would receive a fair share of his at-bats in the outfield.
