Welcome back to LWOS 2016 MLB Draft Coverage, the column that brings you player profiles for the next crop of professional baseball players that are likely to be selected in the upcoming draft. Be sure to bookmark the site, follow us on Twitter, and spread the word for the site that will bring you analytical profiles and scouting reports. Click here to check out our complete coverage of the 2016 MLB Draft. Last Word On Sports is your new headquarters for all things 2016 MLB Draft!
Overview
School: University of Virginia
Position: Right-Handed Pitcher
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 205 pounds
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Connor Jones 2016 MLB Draft Profile
Connor Jones was originally viewed as third round prospect in the 2013 MLB Draft, but was so committed to playing at the University of Virginia, he wrote a letter to all 30 MLB clubs informing them of his intent to play college ball. This caused him to fall to the San Diego Padres in the 21st round in the draft.
Jones began his college career in the bullpen as a freshman before moving into the Cavaliers rotation for the 2015 season. This year, Jones has become the unquestioned ace of the Cavaliers staff, pitching to a 1.95 ERA and also improving his walk rate.
Jones made two appearances in the 2015 College World Series, including starting Game One of the finals against Vanderbilt. Connor Jones has improved every year during his time with the Cavaliers and is considered one of the more polished pitchers in the upcoming draft.
Strengths:
- Throws a sinking fastball in the 90-94 MPH range
- Total of four pitches in his repertoire to keep hitters on their toes
- Good control and command, as evident by his improving walk rate
- Very competitive and not afraid to challenge hitters
- Very polished
Weaknesses:
- Low strikeout rate
- Only one true plus pitch (sinker)
MLB Comparison: Homer Bailey, RHP Cincinnati Reds
Projected Pick Range: Jones doesn’t offer the glamor and high upside of some of the other pitchers in the draft, but he’s seen as a lower risk prospect and should be gone by the fifteenth pick.
Most Likely Landing Spot: Minnesota Twins
Bottom Line:
There is never a sure thing in any sport; but many scouts consider Jones one of the safest picks in the 2016 draft. Jones is viewed as a prospect with a low floor that should be able to move quickly through the minors. Although his ceiling may be that of a 2nd/3rd man in a rotation, it would be hard for a team like the Minnesota Twins to pass on Jones.
The Twins currently have one of the worst staffs in the majors, and although highly touted prospect Jose Berrios recently made his MLB debut, there are holes aplenty up and down the rotation. Jones offers the Twins a chance to grab a player who should bring consistency relatively quickly to the big league club.
Sources: Perfect Game, Prospect Junkies, Minor League Baseball,
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