BALTIMORE.– The Baltimore Orioles claimed Dominican outfielder Jhonkensy Noel off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians on Monday, an organization that had designated him for assignment on December 17th.
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The move represents a new opportunity for the 24-year-old right-handed hitter, who debuted in the Major Leagues in 2024 with a promising first campaign, but then went through a 2025 season of irregular results. Known by the nickname “Big Christmas”, Noel had a memorable arrival in the Majors by hitting a home run in his first at-bat on June 26, 2024, precisely at Camden Yards. In that season he played 67 games, in which he batted for an average of “.218”, with “13 home runs”, “28 RBIs” and an “OPS of .774”. His most outstanding moment came in the 2024 postseason, when he hit a two-run home run in the ninth inning of Game 3 of the American League Championship Series against the Yankees, sending the game to extra innings, which Cleveland ultimately won. However, Noel failed to establish himself in 2025. In 69 games with the Guardians, he recorded a .162 average, with six home runs, 13 RBIs, and an OPS of .480, which led to two demotions to Triple-A Columbus. In the minor leagues, he improved his performance by batting .273, with 12 home runs, 39 RBIs, and an OPS of .831 in 61 games. In Baltimore, Noel will reunite with Craig Albernaz, the new Orioles manager, who was a bench coach and then associate manager for Cleveland during the Dominican player’s time with that organization. The Orioles’ management has prioritized the incorporation of power from the right side of the plate, a characteristic that Noel could contribute if he manages to adapt again to the Major League level. The team has several options for the outfield corners, including Taylor Ward, Tyler O’Neill, and Dylan Beavers, while Jeremiah Jackson and Heston Kjerstad remain on the 40-man roster. To make room for Noel on the roster, the Orioles designated right-handed pitcher George Soriano for assignment. The Dominican outfielder will have the opportunity to earn a spot during Spring Training, which will begin in mid-February.
