Orioles trade Chris Jones to Angels for prospects Natanael Delgado, Erick Salcedo

Last night the Baltimore Orioles traded left-handed pitcher Chris Jones to the Los Angeles Angels for a pair of prospects: outfielder Natanael Delgado and infielder Erick Salcedo. Here's a quick take.

Chris Jones, LHP: Jones is a 6-2, 205 pound left-handed pitcher, originally drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 15th round in 2007 from high school in Tampa. He's been traded twice before: in the 2011 Derek Lowe trade to the Braves, then on to the Orioles in 2013 for Luis Ayala.

Age 27, Jones has yet to appear in the majors but has a good performance record in Triple-A, posting a 3.12 ERA in 340 innings over parts of three seasons with a 237/99 K/BB. Although used primarily as a starter in the minors he profiles better in the bullpen as a major leaguer, where his 87-89 MPH fastball, curve, and deceptive delivery could have LOOGY uses. He could see the majors later this year.


Natanael Delgado, OF: The Angels are not known for aggressive pursuit of Dominican Republic prospects but they did give Delgado $280,000 in 2012. Age 20, the left-handed hitter is known for his raw power but has been held back by poor strike zone judgment and pitch recognition.

Although he hit a promising .301/.333/.464 in the Pioneer League in 2014, Midwest League pitchers in 2015 found the holes in his approach, holding him to a .241/.276/.355 line with just 19 walks along with 104 strikeouts in 411 at-bats. Delgado is young enough to improve but is very much a high risk, long term development project

Erick Salcedo, INF-OF: Salcedo is from Venezuela, signed by the Angels back in 2010. Over 394 minor league games he has a tepid .242/.317/.282 line in 1236 at-bats. He played briefly in Triple-A last year but most of his experience is at the lower levels.

Age 22, Salcedo has been groomed as a utility player and has played every defensive position except first base and catcher. The switch-hitter has some speed and athleticism but is hampered by an extreme lack of strength and power: he has yet to hit a home run in his entire career. He can make contact however and his strike zone judgment isn't terrible, but without more physical strength it is hard to see him being of much value beyond minor league roster filler.