Brock Jones is a virtuous outfielder coming out of Stanford University. The outfield department is loaded in this year’s draft, and Jones can most definitely compete. His smooth stroke from the left side paired with his speed on the basepaths has caught the eye of many major league teams.
Make sure to check out all of our other MLB Draft Profiles.
Brock Jones, Outfielder, Stanford University
*Height: 6’0″ Weight:* 197 lbs.
*DOB:* 3/28/2001
*Bats:* Left
*Throws:* Left
*2021 Stats:* 56 G, .311/.453/.646, 18 HR, 62 RBI, 56 R, 14 SB, 49 BB, 59 K
*2022 Stats:* 63 G, .327/.455/.665, 20 HR, 56 RBI, 76 R, 15 SB, 55 BB, 75 K
Scouting Grades
*Hit:* 45
*Power:* 55
*Run:* 60
*Field:* 50
*Arm:* 45
*Overall:* 50
Committing to Stanford as a two-sport player, it was pretty clear why Jones preferred baseball over special teams. Making an instant impact on the diamond played a big factor in the youngster’s decision to part from football. Being listed on the USA Collegiate National Team (2021) as well as Baseball America Freshman All-America First Team (2021) are among his greatest achievements as an amateur ballplayer.
Strengths
He may stand at just 6’0″, yet Jones has the epitome of a power stroke. His ability to drive the ball enacted through a momentous leg kick from the left side creates a knack for hitting home runs. Cranking 18 long bombs in his sophomore year and 20 in his junior season, the 21-year-old is feared most for his authority at the plate.
Another upside to the Fresno native is his natural speed in the basepaths. A gift that not many collegiate players possess is something that Jones takes full advantage of. Nabbing 32 stolen bases in his three-year stint with the Cardinals is only a testament to his intrinsic speed. Additionally, his glove pairs well with his agility which betters his chances to track down fly balls.
Weaknesses
The lack of discipline at the plate is only restraining Jones from being an early first-rounder. While he did bat .327 in 2022, the former football star could not hold himself back. Whiffing 59 times in 2021 and 75 in 2022 games, his ballooned whiff rate is a big concern for MLB scouts. Defensively, Jones demonstrates a below-average arm, which is a noteworthy defect in the youngster’s profile.
Pro Comparison: Joc Pederson
The first player which comes to mind would be Pederson. The ability to crank the ball from the left side which results from his established leg kick is fairly akin to Jones. In the field, the two outfielders share similar defensive tendencies, although Pederson has the more compelling arm. While Pederson has more of a stocky frame, weighing in at 220 pounds, his counterpart Jones is only one inch shorter.
Draft Projection: Tampa Bay Rays, Round 1, Pick 29
It will not be a surprise if Jones hears his number towards the end of the first round. While his profile is impressive, the draft class is loaded with carbon copies of him, if not better. Nonetheless, Tampa Bay could be the end result of Jones’s if his number is still on the board.
Check us out on our socials:
Twitter: @PTSTNews and @TalkPrimeTime
Facebook Page: Prime Time Sports Talk
Join our Facebook Group: Prime Time Sports Talk
Instagram: @primetimesportstalk
Follow Rephael Negnewitzky on Twitter @RephaelN613
Main Image Credit:
Embed from Getty Images
