Baltimore Orioles News: Jimmy Paredes claimed off waivers by Blue Jays

The Orioles have announced that Jimmy Paredes has been claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Baltimore Orioles recently faced a tough decision with Jimmy Paredes. Paredes was an important member of the 2014 Orioles late in September and was arguably the Orioles’ best hitter in the first half of 2015.

However, as a hitter without a position, Paredes’ role with the Orioles came into question after they traded for Mark Trumbo and signed Pedro Alvarez. An injury to Paredes slightly delayed the inevitable, but on Sunday, the Orioles decided to put Paredes on waivers, hoping to keep him.

That is something that will not be happening, as the Toronto Blue Jays have claimed Paredes. While losing Paredes doesn’t hurt the 2016 Orioles, losing someone who was a part of a very special 2014 Orioles team is still a difficult thing. Paredes’ greatest contribution to that team was likely his walk-off hit against the New York Yankees. 

Paredes had a .279 batting average with a .312 on base percentage and a .425 slugging percentage, good for a .738 OPS. While a .738 OPS is fine from someone who provides defensive value, Paredes does not have a true position so he never brought much, if any, defensive value to the Orioles.

The Blue Jays are expected to use Jimmy Paredes as a bench player. He could see a heightened role with Chris Colabello out due to a PED suspension. Paredes will likely serve as the Blue Jays primary designated hitter, but with injuries, he could see some time in the outfield as well.

Jimmy Paredes was a fun guy to root for, especially during the first part of 2015 when it seemed like nobody could get him out. However, all good things must come to an end. Paredes is a good guy and in the right situation, can still be a productive player. That situation wasn’t going to happen on the Orioles.