The Orioles declined Jimenez's $16.5 million club option for 2025 on Saturday, Andy Kostka of TheBaltimoreBanner.com reports.
This past season was Jimenez's worst at the plate in his six-year career, as he slashed just .238/.289/.336 over 324 plate appearances between the White Sox and Orioles. Because of his poor performance, it makes sense that Baltimore would rather pay the 27-year-old's $3 million buyout than give him $16.5 million to join the team's already-crowded lineup.
Jimenez accepted Baltimore's decision to option him to Triple-A Norfolk on Tuesday, Jake Rill of MLB.com reports.
Jimenez had to approve the move to the minors due to his MLB service time, and he'll stick in the Orioles organization for the time being. The 27-year-old played in 33 games since being acquired from the White Sox and posted a .232/.270/.316 slash line with one homer in 100 plate appearances. Jimenez has a $16.5 million club option for 2025, but Baltimore is likely to pay the $3 million buyout.
Orioles' Eloy Jimenez: Not playing regularly vs. RHPs
Rotowire
Jimenez is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Red Sox.
Ryan Mountcastle's (wrist) move to the injured list in late August looked as though it might open up everyday playing time at designated hitter for Jimenez, but the Orioles have instead chosen to rotate a number of players at the DH spot. Jimenez still appears to be the Orioles' preferred DH versus left-handed pitching, but he finds himself on the bench for the fourth time in Baltimore's last five matchups with righties.
