Adam Jones, the five-time All-Star outfielder, is making a return to the Baltimore Orioles, where he will serve as a special adviser to general manager Mike Elias and as a community ambassador. This new role allows Jones to offer his expertise to the baseball operations department and provide mentorship to current players. Reflecting on his relationship with the organization, Jones expressed excitement about continuing his involvement in a game he loves and contributing to the community.

Jones, who had a significant impact during his 11-year playing career, particularly with the Orioles from 2008 to 2018, is set to start his new position as a guest coach at the upcoming spring training in Sarasota, Florida. He has earned numerous accolades, including four Gold Gloves and participation in six All-Star games, while heavily engaging with community initiatives during his career.

The Baltimore Orioles are making waves in the MLB prospect rankings, with Samuel Basallo and Coby Mayo shining bright. MLB Pipeline recently ranked Basallo as the top prospect in the Orioles' farm system and No. 13 overall, flipping Mayo to No. 14. Basallo, a catching prodigy turned first baseman due to Adley Rutschman's presence, posted an impressive .313/.402/.551 in 2023, showcasing his power and speed. Meanwhile, Mayo, who debuted last season, struggled initially in the majors but dominated Triple-A with a .293 average, hinting at a strong potential comeback.

The Orioles are carefully nurturing their young talents, with Basallo’s speed and slugging creating exciting expectations for his future. Although Mayo faced early challenges, his prior success in the minors and the Orioles' commitment to keeping both players suggests a strategic approach, ensuring they don’t hinder each other’s growth in a competitive roster. With both players potentially ready for major league roles soon, the future looks promising for Baltimore.

The Baltimore Orioles have officially claimed infielder Jacob Amaya from the Chicago White Sox via waivers. Amaya was previously designated for assignment by the White Sox following the signing of Josh Rojas. To accommodate Amaya on the roster, the Orioles have designated right-handed pitcher Roansy Contreras for assignment.

Amaya, once a top-10 prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers' system, was traded to the Miami Marlins in 2023 for seasoned infielder Miguel Rojas. He made his MLB debut shortly after but faced challenges, leading to his designation and a subsequent trade to the Houston Astros. His tenure with the Astros was brief, and he was designated for assignment again in August, eventually being picked up by the White Sox.

During his brief stint in the big leagues, Amaya played in 23 games, posting a .179 batting average with three RBIs and one stolen base. Despite his struggles at the plate, he showed some defensive prowess, saving three runs at shortstop. Historically, Amaya has performed better in the minors, holding a .251 average with a .741 OPS over his career. However, with established infielders like Gunnar Henderson and Jackson Holliday ahead of him, his chances of securing a starting role with the Orioles appear slim. Nevertheless, with Jorge Mateo recovering from elbow surgery, Amaya may still vie for a roster spot as a backup infielder.