Colorado Rockies' Nolan Jones Stands With Elite Company in Recent History Books

Colorado Rockies outfielder Nolan Jones attracted plenty of attention with his breakout campaign in 2023, but his stats went beyond just being impressive for a rookie.

MLB Network recently compiled a list of the last five left-handed hitters to post an OPS over .900 against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers in a single season, with Jones having accomplished the feat last year. Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman was the only other player to do so in 2023.

Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez was the lone lefty to reach both thresholds in 2022, while Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker and former Los Angeles Angels designated hitter did so in 2021.

That is pretty notable company for the 25-year-old Jones, who finished fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting after putting up those gaudy numbers. Ohtani, meanwhile, rode his stat line to an MVP Award. Freeman and Alvarez both finished third in MVP voting when they joined the exclusive club.

Jones may not have come particularly close to that kind of hardware, but MLB Network did peg him as the No. 3 left fielder in baseball entering 2024.