Dave Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Player Profile: Jared Jones

Originally posted on Inside The Diamonds | Last updated Jan 26, 2024 1:16 PM ET

Jared Jones was born in Whittier, California, on August 6, 2001. He played high school baseball at La Mirada High School in La Mirada, CA. He was the top-ranked RHP and the fourth-ranked overall player in California. At La Mirada, he made 37 appearances, going 20-6 with one save, a 0.89 ERA, and 255 strikeouts in 180.1 innings. At the plate, he hit .394 with 112 hits, 22 doubles, three triples, seven home runs, 59 RBI, 84 runs scored, 34 stolen bases, and 29 walks. Jones was ranked the sixth-ranked RHP in the country and the 20th overall player. He committed to play college baseball at the University of Texas at Austin.

When Was Jared Jones Drafted?

Jones was the 55th overall prospect entering the 2020 draft, and the Pittsburgh Pirates would select him in the second round. He decided to forego college and sign with the Pirates.

Jared Jones Pirates Tenure

2021

Jones spent the whole season in Single-A with Bradenton making 18 appearances with 15 of those coming as starts going 3-6 with a 4.64 ERA, a 1.47 WHIP, a 0.8 HR/9, a 4.6 BB/9, and a 14.0 K/9 in 66 innings.

2022

Jones made the jump to High-A Greensboro, making 26 starts, going 5-7 with a 4.62 ERA, a 1.35 WHIP, a 1.4 HR/9, a 3.7 BB/9, and a 10.4 K/9 in 122.2 innings.

2023

Jones continued his climb in the Pirates system playing for Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis, making 26 appearances, with 25 of those as starts going 5-9 with a 3.85 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, a 0.9 HR/9, a 3.6 BB/9, and a 10.4 K/9 in 126.1 innings.

Future

ITD ranks Jones as the 67^th overall prospect and the Pirates third-ranked prospect. He will likely start the season either at Triple-A or with the Pirates following Spring Training.

This article first appeared on Inside The Diamonds and was syndicated with permission.

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