Baltimore Orioles All-Time Best Rule 5 Draft Picks
By Ben Palmer
3. Jay Gibbons – Selected from the Toronto Blue Jays in 2000
Orioles fans don’t look too kindly on Jay Gibbons, and that’s because in December of 2007, Gibbons admitted to having used human growth hormone and received a 15-game suspension from the MLB.
The Orioles weren’t interested in keeping him on the team after the news came out, however, and released him despite the fact that two years and $12M left on his contract.
Despite the tarnished legacy, when Gibbons was healthy, he produced in a big way. In his seven-year career with the Orioles, Gibbons hit over 20 home runs in four seasons, with his career-high being 28 in 2002.
His best season was likely in 2003 when he batted .277/.330/.456 with 23 HRs, 80 R, and 100 RBIs. Gibbons was unfortunately a sub-par fielder however, both as an outfielder and a first baseman, which caused some issues. Add in the fact that he constantly had health issues, and you have a productive player with some serious drawbacks.
That being said, Gibbons produced way more than one would expect out of a Rule 5 Draft pick. Personal feelings about him aside, there’s no denying that he was a productive, useful player for the team.