The Baltimore Orioles claimed Cleveland Guardians outfielder Jhonkensy Noel off waivers, adding to a deepening offensive core. It also marks their first notable offseason move of the 2026 calendar year.
Orioles Pick Up Jhonkensy Noel Off Waivers
The Guardians designated Noel for assignment on Dec. 17 before he hit waivers after the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, according to Cleveland.com. Baltimore designated right-handed pitcher George Soriano for assignment in a corresponding move.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/zDxCl6JH4J
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) January 5, 2026
Nicknamed “Big Christmas” for his size and surname, Noel is the second outfielder acquisition by the team this offseason, following the team’s trade for Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels. He also joins a corps with rookie Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, and veteran Tyler O’Neill.
A Risky Hitter Known For Clutch Hits
The 24-year-old holds an alarming 34% strikeout rate and an obscene 49% chase rate with a 35% whiff rate. He makes up for it with a speedy 78 mph bat speed and 41% hard hit rate. He also ranks in the 83rd percentile for arm strength when fielding. Most of his metrics regressed against all pitches, but still hit well against breaking balls.
Across all statistical categories, Noel saw a significant regression in his contact and on-base rates, falling below .200 in both categories. His walk rate also crashed to less than 3%. He does offer immense upside if he is able to piece a strong campaign together.
Noel is known for his game-tying home run in game three of the 2024 American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees. Recently, he also hit a critical game-tying home run off Tarik Skubal in 2025 during a tight AL Central race.
JHONKENSY NOEL TIES IT WITH A PINCH HIT HOME RUN! BIG CHRISTMAS!!!! pic.twitter.com/lNI52HYw0Y
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 18, 2024
Orioles Continue Bolstering Lineup In Offseason
Noel will likely fit as an option off the bench in 2026, suggesting a current outfielder could be heading to the waivers. If they cannot fit him in, he could act as a pinch-hitter for new free agent acquisition Pete Alonso or Ward in the outfield.
The team is focusing on power production from their lineup to give protection to their younger stars in the lineup. Alonso hit 38 home runs in 2025, while Ward slapped a career-high 36 home runs. Noel, despite his volatility at the plate, fits the direction the team is seeking to go to complement Gunnar Henderson and catcher Adley Rutschman.
Baltimore also holds around $64 million in tax space to use during the rest of the offseason. The team has not currently been linked to any remaining free agent bats, but has been named as frontrunners for pitcher Framber Valdez and, recently, Ranger Suárez.
Main Photo Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images