Cleveland Indians prospect Nolan Jones ranks third in MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 3rd base prospects going into the 2020 season.
More often than not, Nolan Jones is the first name mentioned when it comes to Cleveland Indians prospects. Jones has been at, or near the top of the prospects list for the Tribe for some time now. MLB Pipeline has named Nolan Jones as the third best 3rd base prospect heading into 2020.
Jones shares power as his top tool along with Nolan Gorman and Bobby Dalbec. There is a reason for that. Through 355 games (minors and fall league) Jones has compiled 68 doubles, 42 home runs, and eight triples. This extra-base power has led to Jones driving in 179 runs. Jones did league the minor leagues with 96 walks last season, this led to his .409 on-base percentage. This ability to get on base will certainly come in hand as his career progresses.
Jones is yet to play above AA, spending 49 games with the Akron RubberDucks in 2019. MLB Pipeline has listed 2020 as a target year for Jones to debut in Cleveland. Of course this seems more like a late season call up and not necessarily a reinforcement call up made early in the season.
Nolan Jones is still only 21 years old (will turn 22 in May). With 3rd base locked down for the foreseeable future, there is not a lot of pressure on Jones to make an impact for the Indians anytime soon. It appears that Cleveland will let Jones properly develop and move him along through the system in an acceptable manner. There is no reason to rush Jones through the minor league system at this current time.
