Former Baltimore Orioles Stars Who Made “Bad First Impressions” on New Teams

The Baltimore Orioles have a storied history of developing talent, but for years, the franchise has struggled with keeping its stars for the long haul. Whether due to financial limitations, ownership issues, or simply a rebuild that took longer than expected, many players who once donned the orange and black eventually moved on to other teams.

Some of these former Orioles have made headlines for their struggles after leaving Baltimore, with their “first impressions” on their new teams being less than stellar. These players were expected to make an immediate impact but often found themselves underperforming, facing injuries, or clashing with new team dynamics. Here, we look at some of the former Baltimore Orioles stars who didn’t quite live up to the expectations in their first seasons with new clubs.

1. Manny Machado – From Baltimore to San Diego

One of the most high-profile moves in recent Baltimore Orioles history was the departure of Manny Machado. The highly talented third baseman was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers midway through the 2018 season, before signing a 10-year, $300 million contract with the San Diego Padres in 2019. Machado’s departure from Baltimore was met with mixed emotions, as fans and analysts knew they were losing a generational talent.

When Machado first arrived in San Diego, there were high hopes for his leadership and offensive production. However, his first few months with the Padres didn’t go as expected. While Machado did hit 32 home runs and drove in 102 RBIs in his first full season in 2019, his batting average dipped to a career-low .256, and he faced criticism for his attitude on the field.

Many felt that Machado’s transition from Baltimore to San Diego was rocky in part because of his leadership style, which did not immediately mesh with the Padres’ young core. Reports from the clubhouse indicated that Machado’s personality, which was seen as too brash at times in Baltimore, created tension in San Diego. This tension, combined with a slow start to his tenure, made for a less-than-ideal first impression for Machado in a new city.

Over time, Machado would adjust and return to being the elite player he once was in Baltimore, but it wasn’t an easy start in San Diego. His first season, particularly the early months, was far from the smooth transition many had anticipated for such a high-profile acquisition.

2. Adam Jones – From Baltimore to Arizona

Adam Jones was the face of the Baltimore Orioles for nearly a decade, and his departure in 2019 marked the end of an era for the team. After spending 11 seasons with the Orioles, Jones signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2020. The move was bittersweet for Orioles fans, as Jones was beloved not only for his production on the field but also for his leadership and community involvement off the field.

However, Jones’ first impression with the Diamondbacks was far from the expected smooth transition. His first season in Arizona saw him struggle significantly at the plate. In 2020, Jones posted a .230 batting average with just 4 home runs and 23 RBIs. It was a stark contrast to his typically reliable production in Baltimore, where he had been a consistent offensive force for years.

In addition to his underwhelming offensive numbers, Jones struggled to find his place in the Diamondbacks’ outfield rotation. Arizona was in the midst of a rebuild, and Jones’ role on the team was unclear, leading to frustration for both him and the team’s fanbase. While Jones was a positive influence in the clubhouse, his struggles on the field tarnished the initial excitement around his signing.

After the 2020 season, Jones chose to return to Japan to play in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, closing the chapter on his MLB career. His brief and disappointing stint with the Diamondbacks was far from the fairy-tale ending many had hoped for.

3. Chris Davis – A Cautionary Tale of Decline

Chris Davis is one of the most tragic tales in Baltimore Orioles history. After a breakout 2013 season in which he hit 53 home runs and became a superstar in Baltimore, Davis’ career took an unexpected and steep decline. He signed a massive seven-year, $161 million contract extension with the Orioles in 2016, but from that point on, he struggled immensely at the plate.

Davis’ downfall wasn’t just confined to the years after his big contract extension. His struggles began in earnest in 2017 and only worsened over time. However, his departure from Baltimore was not a result of a trade or free-agent signing with another team. Instead, Davis became a cautionary tale of a player whose career faltered to such an extent that it had repercussions for both him and the Orioles organization.

What makes Davis’s situation particularly notable is that he was unable to escape his struggles even as the Orioles continued to rebuild. The team stuck by him for years, but it became clear that the once-dominant slugger was unable to recover his form. Davis was often benched or left off the roster in his final seasons, and his presence became a source of frustration for Orioles fans and management alike.

Davis’ “first impression” with other teams was nonexistent, but his struggles in Baltimore serve as a sobering reminder of how an early career high can sometimes be followed by a prolonged decline.

4. Zack Britton – A Star Closer Who Struggled in New York

Zack Britton was one of the most dominant closers in baseball during his time with the Baltimore Orioles, particularly in 2016 when he finished with a 0.54 ERA and converted all 47 of his save opportunities. He was a key player for the Orioles in their playoff runs, and when he was traded to the New York Yankees in 2018, expectations were high for him to continue his success in the Bronx.

However, Britton’s first few months with the Yankees were underwhelming. While he didn’t experience a dramatic decline in performance, his transition to the Yankees’ bullpen wasn’t as seamless as many expected. Britton struggled with his command in the early days of his Yankees tenure, walking batters at an uncharacteristically high rate. In addition, while his velocity remained high, he wasn’t as effective at getting ground balls, which had been a key component of his success in Baltimore.

Although Britton would eventually settle into a reliable role in the Yankees bullpen, his early days with the team didn’t immediately reflect the dominance he had shown in Baltimore. It was a reminder that even the most reliable stars can face challenges when transitioning to a new organization with a different culture and expectations.

5. Mark Trumbo – A Slow Start in Seattle

Mark Trumbo was acquired by the Baltimore Orioles in 2016 and quickly became known for his power bat. Trumbo’s 47 home runs in 2016 were a key part of the Orioles’ offensive output that season, and his ability to provide consistent power made him one of the team’s most feared hitters. However, his time with the Orioles was short-lived.

In 2019, Trumbo was traded to the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners were hoping that Trumbo could provide the same offensive spark that he had for Baltimore. Unfortunately, his first impression in Seattle was less than impressive. Trumbo struggled to stay healthy, and when he was on the field, his power numbers were underwhelming. In fact, his first season with the Mariners was marred by injury setbacks, and he was unable to replicate the success he had experienced in Baltimore.

Trumbo’s situation in Seattle highlighted the challenges players can face when they leave a familiar environment. While he had experienced success in Baltimore, his transition to Seattle was fraught with difficulties, including injuries that limited his ability to make a meaningful impact.

The transition from one team to another is never easy for professional athletes, especially when they are used to the dynamics and culture of a specific franchise. Former Baltimore Orioles stars like Manny Machado, Adam Jones, Chris Davis, Zack Britton, and Mark Trumbo have all faced challenges in their new cities, with some players struggling to make a lasting impression during their first seasons with their new teams.

While some of these players eventually bounced back, their rocky starts serve as a reminder of how difficult it can be to maintain consistent success in Major League Baseball, especially when changing teams or facing unexpected challenges. As the Orioles continue to rebuild and develop new talent, their former stars’ experiences show that the journey from Baltimore to other organizations doesn’t always have a happy ending.

The story of these players also speaks to the emotional connection that fans have to their teams. When a beloved player departs, it’s always hard to let go, especially when that player fails to deliver in a new environment. Nonetheless, it’s a part of the game—a reminder that in sports, even the best players can face challenges, and the road to success is never guaranteed.