Brent Jones
| IP | 136 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.971 |
| WHIP | 1.412 |
| BB/9 | 3.11 |
| SO/9 | 6.419 |
- Full name Brent Joshua Jones
- Born 01/10/1993 in Albuquerque, NM
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 215 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Cornell
-
Drafted in the 4th round (120th overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2014 (signed for $350,000).
View Draft Report
Cornell's baseball alumni include Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and player personnel director A.J. Preller, as well as Major League Baseball chief executive Rob Manfred. Jones figures to be their highest-drafted player since the Twins drafted Chris Schutt in the seventh round in 2003. Part of a recent wave of talent from New Mexico (including Matt Moore and Louisiana State's Alex Bregman), Jones has matured physically since his academic prowess took him to the Ivy League. He has improved his feel for pitching, but it's his arm strength and velocity that will make him a draft pick. He jumped up draft boards by consistently sitting at 95 mph last fall, and he has maintained that velocity this spring, sitting at 92-95 mph and reaching 96-97 at times. His hard curveball, which he throws with a spike grip, can give him a second plus pitch at times, but it's inconsistent and can get him into trouble. He rarely throws a changeup. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder has some effort to his delivery, including a head snap, that limits his command and will likely push him to the bullpen.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
Jones was a high school star in New Mexico before heading across country for an Ivy League education at Cornell. It's not surprising that he's a cerebral pitcher with advanced pitchability, with more premium velocity than normally seen from the Ivy League. Arizona grabbed Jones in the fourth round in 2014, signing him for $350,000. After beginning his pro career with eight solid starts at short-season Hillsboro, Jones moved up to low Class A South Bend for the rest of his first season. Sporting a competitive demeanor on the mound, he deals a fastball that sits 88-93 mph and was up as high as 97 in college. He induces lots of groundballs with the sink on his heater. His 79-82 mph curveball that he throws with a spike grip flashes plus at times but lacks consistency. He lacks a feel for his rarely-used 81-84 mph changeup and will need to develop it if he wants to stay in the rotation. It has average potential. Jones could move quickly as a high-floor reliever and may get to high Class A Visalia in 2015.
Draft Prospects
-
Cornell's baseball alumni include Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and player personnel director A.J. Preller, as well as Major League Baseball chief executive Rob Manfred. Jones figures to be their highest-drafted player since the Twins drafted Chris Schutt in the seventh round in 2003. Part of a recent wave of talent from New Mexico (including Matt Moore and Louisiana State's Alex Bregman), Jones has matured physically since his academic prowess took him to the Ivy League. He has improved his feel for pitching, but it's his arm strength and velocity that will make him a draft pick. He jumped up draft boards by consistently sitting at 95 mph last fall, and he has maintained that velocity this spring, sitting at 92-95 mph and reaching 96-97 at times. His hard curveball, which he throws with a spike grip, can give him a second plus pitch at times, but it's inconsistent and can get him into trouble. He rarely throws a changeup. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder has some effort to his delivery, including a head snap, that limits his command and will likely push him to the bullpen.
