Nolan Jones 2021 Outlook: An On-Base Stud Looking for Improved Launch Angle
4 years agoJones' minor league numbers don't jump off the stat page at first glance but there is a lot here to like. With a career walk rate well above 16% and plus raw power, he's an on-base league stud-in-the-making. But Jones' passivity also leads to higher-than-ideal strikeout rates — an area that should improve as he gains experience because he works a lot of deep counts and is still learning to be aggressive when he gets the right pitch to attack. The young hitter also needs to continue to focus on increasing his launch angle to make the most of his raw power — an area he made strides in during his brief stay in Double-A in 2019 after previously generating ground ball rates closer to 50%. With depth on the left side of the infield — including a star player entrenched at third base — Cleveland may have to get creative to find playing time for Jones. With not much depth at first base, it might be a reasonable home for the young infielder at least in the short term (although it would waste his strong arm). A corner outfield slot might also be an OK landing spot, although the acquisition of Eddie Rosario muddies the water a bit. With an ADP in the 600s, it further illustrates how Jones continues to be an underrated prospect from a fantasy perspective. His combination of power and on-base acumen could eventually give him Max Muncy type upside and he should be close to MLB ready despite the lack of a minor league season in 2020. Jones is someone to monitor in redraft leagues as a surefire waiver acquisition when he gets the call and a must-have prospect in redraft leagues.