REPORT: Baltimore didn’t make headlines with this waiver claim. But adding a clutch bat from Cleveland may quietly change things. The Orioles might have found value where others looked away (J)

Orioles Claim Jhonkensy Noel Off Waivers as Baltimore Continues to Add Power for 2026

The Baltimore Orioles made their first notable roster move of the 2026 calendar year on the offensive side of the ball, claiming outfielder Jhonkensy Noel off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians. While not a blockbuster transaction, the move is significant in both symbolism and substance, signaling Baltimore’s continued commitment to stockpiling power and depth around its young core.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated right-handed pitcher George Soriano for assignment, underscoring the organization’s current preference to prioritize offensive upside over bullpen depth.

Orioles Add “Big Christmas” to a Growing Outfield Mix

Nicknamed “Big Christmas” for his imposing frame and memorable surname, Noel brings a unique and volatile offensive profile to Baltimore. At just 24 years old, he remains a classic high-risk, high-reward hitter — the type of player that analytics-driven organizations are increasingly willing to bet on.

Noel becomes the Orioles’ second outfield acquisition of the offseason, following the trade that brought Taylor Ward over from the Los Angeles Angels. He now joins a crowded but intriguing outfield group that includes:

Colton Cowser
Dylan Beavers
Tyler O’Neill
Taylor Ward

Baltimore is clearly prioritizing power and arm strength in the corners, even if it comes with swing-and-miss concerns.

Why the Guardians Let Noel Go

The Guardians designated Noel for assignment on December 17, allowing him to pass through waivers following the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, according to Cleveland.com. For Cleveland, the decision was rooted in roster flexibility rather than a lack of belief in Noel’s raw tools.

Cleveland has long favored contact-oriented hitters and defensive versatility, and Noel’s offensive profile — heavy power paired with extreme plate discipline issues — didn’t align cleanly with their organizational philosophy.

Baltimore, on the other hand, sees opportunity.

A Risky Hitter With Rare Power Traits

Noel’s statistical profile is polarizing, even by modern MLB standards.

Key Plate Discipline Metrics

34% strikeout rate
49% chase rate
35% whiff rate
Walk rate under 3%

Those numbers are, frankly, alarming. Across nearly every contact-based metric, Noel regressed in 2025, with both his batting average and on-base percentage dipping below .200.

However, what keeps teams interested is what happens when he does connect.

Power and Physical Tools

78 mph bat speed
41% hard-hit rate
Strong performance vs. breaking balls
83rd percentile arm strength in the outfield

Few hitters can generate the type of raw power Noel possesses. When squared up, the ball leaves his bat with authority — the kind of authority that can change games instantly.

Built for Big Moments

Despite his inconsistency, Noel has already developed a reputation for delivering in critical moments.

He is best known for his game-tying home run in Game 3 of the 2024 American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, a swing that cemented his place in postseason lore despite Cleveland ultimately falling short.

More recently, Noel launched another game-tying home run off reigning ace Tarik Skubal in 2025, a pivotal moment during a tightly contested AL Central race.

For a young hitter, the ability to rise to the occasion — even amid struggles — carries real value.

Where Noel Fits in the Orioles’ 2026 Plans

Realistically, Noel is not expected to open the 2026 season as an everyday starter. Instead, he profiles as a bench bat with power upside, capable of impacting games late.

Possible roles include:

Right-handed pinch-hitter
Occasional corner outfield starter
Matchup-based power option against breaking-ball-heavy pitchers

If Noel earns a roster spot, it could force another outfielder into a difficult position — potentially waivers or a reduced role. The Orioles’ outfield depth is becoming one of the most competitive areas of the roster.

Complementing a Star-Driven Lineup

Baltimore’s offensive blueprint is becoming increasingly clear.

The Orioles want power throughout the lineup to protect their franchise cornerstones, particularly:

Gunnar Henderson
Adley Rutschman

Adding thump behind those two stars reduces the ability of opposing pitchers to pitch around them in key situations.

That strategy has already taken shape this offseason:

Pete Alonso smashed 38 home runs in 2025
Taylor Ward posted a career-high 36 home runs
Noel adds another power-first option, even if volatile

The Orioles are betting that even partial success from Noel could provide real value in tight games.

Financial Flexibility Still in Play

Perhaps just as important as the Noel claim is what it doesn’t prevent Baltimore from doing.

The Orioles still have approximately $64 million in luxury tax space available, giving them ample flexibility to continue improving the roster. While they haven’t been strongly linked to remaining free-agent hitters, their name continues to surface in starting pitching discussions.

Baltimore has recently been mentioned as a potential frontrunner for:

Framber Valdez
Ranger Suárez

Either addition would dramatically reshape the rotation and elevate the Orioles’ postseason outlook.

A Calculated Gamble That Fits Baltimore’s Identity

Claiming Jhonkensy Noel off waivers is a classic low-cost, high-upside move. The Orioles gave up nothing but roster space, yet acquired a player with legitimate 30-homer raw power and postseason experience at a young age.

If Noel fails to refine his plate discipline, Baltimore can move on without regret. If he figures it out — even marginally — the payoff could be substantial.

Final Thoughts: Power, Depth, and Optionality

The Orioles’ decision to claim Noel underscores an organization operating with confidence, depth, and flexibility. Baltimore is no longer a team searching for foundational pieces — it’s a contender fine-tuning its roster for October.

Jhonkensy Noel may never become a complete hitter. But in a lineup already stacked with stars, one more dangerous bat — even an imperfect one — can make all the difference.

And for the Orioles, that gamble is well worth taking as they push toward 2026.