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The Baltimore Orioles<\/strong> made their first notable roster move of the 2026 calendar year on the offensive side of the ball, claiming outfielder Jhonkensy Noel<\/strong> off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians<\/strong>. While not a blockbuster transaction, the move is significant in both symbolism and substance, signaling Baltimore\u2019s continued commitment to stockpiling power and depth around its young core.<\/p>\n To make room on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated right-handed pitcher George Soriano<\/strong> for assignment, underscoring the organization\u2019s current preference to prioritize offensive upside over bullpen depth.<\/p>\n Nicknamed \u201cBig Christmas\u201d<\/strong> for his imposing frame and memorable surname, Noel brings a unique and volatile offensive profile to Baltimore. At just 24 years old<\/strong>, he remains a classic high-risk, high-reward hitter \u2014 the type of player that analytics-driven organizations are increasingly willing to bet on.<\/p>\n Noel becomes the Orioles\u2019 second outfield acquisition of the offseason<\/strong>, following the trade that brought Taylor Ward<\/strong> over from the Los Angeles Angels. He now joins a crowded but intriguing outfield group that includes:<\/p>\n Colton Cowser<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Dylan Beavers<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Tyler O\u2019Neill<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Taylor Ward<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Baltimore is clearly prioritizing power and arm strength<\/strong> in the corners, even if it comes with swing-and-miss concerns.<\/p>\n The Guardians designated Noel for assignment on December 17<\/strong>, allowing him to pass through waivers following the Christmas and New Year\u2019s holidays, according to Cleveland.com. For Cleveland, the decision was rooted in roster flexibility rather than a lack of belief in Noel\u2019s raw tools.<\/p>\n Cleveland has long favored contact-oriented hitters and defensive versatility, and Noel\u2019s offensive profile \u2014 heavy power paired with extreme plate discipline issues \u2014 didn\u2019t align cleanly with their organizational philosophy.<\/p>\n Baltimore, on the other hand, sees opportunity.<\/p>\n Noel\u2019s statistical profile is polarizing, even by modern MLB standards.<\/p>\n 34% strikeout rate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n 49% chase rate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n 35% whiff rate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Walk rate under 3%<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n However, what keeps teams interested is what happens when he does<\/em> connect.<\/p>\n 78 mph bat speed<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n 41% hard-hit rate<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Strong performance vs. breaking balls<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 83rd percentile arm strength<\/strong> in the outfield<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Few hitters can generate the type of raw power Noel possesses. When squared up, the ball leaves his bat with authority \u2014 the kind of authority that can change games instantly.<\/p>\n Despite his inconsistency, Noel has already developed a reputation for delivering in critical moments.<\/p>\n 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<\/strong>, a swing that cemented his place in postseason lore despite Cleveland ultimately falling short.<\/p>\n More recently, Noel launched another game-tying home run off reigning ace Tarik Skubal in 2025<\/strong>, a pivotal moment during a tightly contested AL Central race.<\/p>\n For a young hitter, the ability to rise to the occasion \u2014 even amid struggles \u2014 carries real value.<\/p>\n Realistically, Noel is not expected to open the 2026 season as an everyday starter. Instead, he profiles as a bench bat with power upside<\/strong>, capable of impacting games late.<\/p>\n Possible roles include:<\/p>\n Right-handed pinch-hitter<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Occasional corner outfield starter<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Matchup-based power option against breaking-ball-heavy pitchers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n If Noel earns a roster spot, it could force another outfielder into a difficult position \u2014 potentially waivers or a reduced role. The Orioles\u2019 outfield depth is becoming one of the most competitive areas of the roster.<\/p>\n Baltimore\u2019s offensive blueprint is becoming increasingly clear.<\/p>\n The Orioles want power throughout the lineup<\/strong> to protect their franchise cornerstones, particularly:<\/p>\n Gunnar Henderson<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Adley Rutschman<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Adding thump behind those two stars reduces the ability of opposing pitchers to pitch around them in key situations.<\/p>\n That strategy has already taken shape this offseason:<\/p>\n Pete Alonso<\/strong> smashed 38 home runs<\/strong> in 2025<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Taylor Ward<\/strong> posted a career-high 36 home runs<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Noel adds another power-first option, even if volatile<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The Orioles are betting that even partial success from Noel could provide real value in tight games.<\/p>\n Perhaps just as important as the Noel claim is what it doesn\u2019t<\/em> prevent Baltimore from doing.<\/p>\n The Orioles still have approximately $64 million in luxury tax space<\/strong> available, giving them ample flexibility to continue improving the roster. While they haven\u2019t been strongly linked to remaining free-agent hitters, their name continues to surface in starting pitching discussions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Baltimore has recently been mentioned as a potential frontrunner for:<\/p>\n Framber Valdez<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ranger Su\u00e1rez<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Either addition would dramatically reshape the rotation and elevate the Orioles\u2019 postseason outlook.<\/p>\n Claiming Jhonkensy Noel off waivers is a classic low-cost, high-upside move<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n If Noel fails to refine his plate discipline, Baltimore can move on without regret. If he figures it out \u2014 even marginally \u2014 the payoff could be substantial.<\/p>\n The Orioles\u2019 decision to claim Noel underscores an organization operating with confidence, depth, and flexibility. Baltimore is no longer a team searching for foundational pieces \u2014 it\u2019s a contender fine-tuning its roster for October.<\/p>\n Jhonkensy Noel may never become a complete hitter. But in a lineup already stacked with stars, one more dangerous bat \u2014 even an imperfect one \u2014 can make all the difference<\/strong>.<\/p>\n And for the Orioles, that gamble is well worth taking as they push toward 2026.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":135271,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-135256","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n
\nOrioles Add \u201cBig Christmas\u201d to a Growing Outfield Mix<\/h2>\n
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\nWhy the Guardians Let Noel Go<\/h2>\n
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\nA Risky Hitter With Rare Power Traits<\/h2>\n
Key Plate Discipline Metrics<\/h3>\n
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Power and Physical Tools<\/h3>\n
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\nBuilt for Big Moments<\/h2>\n
\nWhere Noel Fits in the Orioles\u2019 2026 Plans<\/h2>\n
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\nComplementing a Star-Driven Lineup<\/h2>\n
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\nFinancial Flexibility Still in Play<\/h2>\n
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\nA Calculated Gamble That Fits Baltimore\u2019s Identity<\/h2>\n
\nFinal Thoughts: Power, Depth, and Optionality<\/h2>\n