Thomas Jones

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Miami Marlins #27 prospect in 2018
  After drawing interest from high-profile football programs such as Clemson, Notre Dame and South Carolina as a dual-sport star at Laurens (S.C.) High, Jones eventually committed to Vanderbilt's baseball program before the Marlins snagged him with the 84th overall pick in 2016. Jones signed with the Marlins for $1 million, but he hit just .181/.315/.282 in 68 games at short-season Batavia in 2017. Jones is a tantalizing athlete with five-tool potential, but he remains very raw. It seems obvious that he is going to be a slow burner, especially at the plate where he struggles to make consistent contact. The bat speed is there, however. So is Jones' foot speed, which makes him a threat on the basepaths and gives him plus range in center field. He also has an above-average arm, which could also be said for his power potential if he ever hits enough to tap into the raw strength he possesses. Jones turned 20 in December, so there is still plenty of time for him to reach his potential. Jones could see his first action in full-season ball at low Class A Greensboro in 2018, but it would not be surprising to see him receive more seasoning in extended spring training and short-season ball.
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  Ranked Miami Marlins #10 prospect in 2017
  A two-sport star in high school, Jones drew interest from high-profile college football programs such as Notre Dame, Clemson and South Carolina. Ultimately, he chose to pass on football, as well as his college baseball commitment to Vanderbilt, to sign with the Marlins as a 2016 second-round pick for $1 million. At 6-foot-4, 195 pounds, Jones is a physical specimen and the kind of "off-the-bus" guy scouts fall in love with. He has five-tool potential, but he's super raw. Some evaluators see natural talent and athleticism to dream on. Others cite a lack of polish and lack of focus at times that make an already high-risk player even more risky. One evaluator said Jones has plus bat speed but lacks bat control. Another said he looks bored in the outfield and lacks the defensive chops and arm to play anywhere but left field, though his below-average power would be stretched there. He is a plus runner. Jones is all about projection, not present ability. If he develops, he could make an impact in several aspects of the game, but the Marlins will need to take the long view. Jones will likely begin 2017 in extended spring training then head back to the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League.

Draft Prospects

• Ranked #58 prospect in 2016 draft
  A dual-sport star at Laurens (S.C.) High, Jones garnered football interest from the likes of Notre Dame, Clemson, South Carolina, North Carolina and other schools as a safety. Jones settled on Vanderbilt, where he's expected to focus primarily on baseball. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Jones boasts obvious athleticism on both the gridiron and the baseball field, which he' shown more in recent weeks after healing from a hamstring injury. An above-average runner with an average to above-average arm, Jones is still very raw offensively. He has potential plus power, enough for an outfield corner, but has yet to consistently tap into it. With his loud tools and lack of polish, Jones is a high-risk, high-reward pick, as teams would likely need to draft him early to pry him from Vanderbilt. But scouts love his makeup and engaging personality, and it seems probable a team will bet on his natural talent.

• December, 2016 Scouting Report
  Background: A two-sport star in high school, Jones drew interest from high-profile college football programs such as Notre Dame, Clemson and South Carolina. Ultimately, he chose to pass on football, as well as his college baseball commitment to Vanderbilt, to sign with the Marlins as a 2016 second-round pick for $1 million. Scouting Report: At 6-foot-4, 195 pounds, Jones is a physical specimen and the kind of "off-the-bus" guy scouts fall in love with. He has five-tool potential, but he's super raw. Some evaluators see natural talent and athleticism to dream on. Others cite a lack of polish and lack of focus at times that make an already high-risk player even more risky. One evaluator said Jones has plus bat speed but lacks bat control. Another said he looks bored in the outfield and lacks the defensive chops and arm to play anywhere but left field, though his below-average power would be stretched there. He is a plus runner.
  
  The Future: Jones is all about projection, not present ability. If he develops, he could make an impact in several aspects of the game, but the Marlins will need to take the long view. Jones will likely begin 2017 in extended spring training then head back to the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League.