As always, there are many talented players in this year’s MLB Draft pool. With plenty of players that will be drafted from both high school and college, the draft festivities will be as exciting as ever. One of these prospects is Spencer Jones, a Vanderbilt commit with plenty of versatility and potential.
Spencer Jones 2019 MLB Draft Profile
Jones is a senior in La Costa Canyon High School, California. He is one prospect to definitely keep an eye on. Jones, who is primarily a left-handed pitcher, also plays first base and is listed as an outfielder. This versatility alone gives Jones’ draft stock a boost. His 6-foot-7, 205 lb. frame gives him an especially rare presence on the mound that will surely bring fear to plenty of his opponents down the line. Jones, who is committed to Vanderbilt, will have plenty of time to develop his skill set further. Still not even eighteen yet, his high school career has done wonders for his future in the game of baseball.
Strengths
Other than his ability to pitch and play the field, what we know right now is that Jones has the potential to be a flamethrower. His fastball is being thrown at speeds up to 93 MPH. This velocity is extremely impressive for a high school senior and can likely be increased with time.
Jones’ Perfect Game Event results showed enormous potential. This time his fastball topped out at 94 MPH. Jones also recorded 95 MPH exit-velocity off the bat as a hitter. His curveball has also been noted as an impressive pitch. Jones’ athleticism will provide plenty of room for him to thrive as a hitter, and his swing will be backed up with a strength that should allow him to persist off the barrel of the bat.
Jones has a very high ceiling. The lefty’s progress to the major league level will remain ongoing. However, he would be a stellar choice for a number of MLB teams to take in June.
Weaknesses
While most stuff about Jones seems to be extremely positive, there are areas which could be of concern. His ability is pretty undeniable, but for him to be the best he can be is going to take plenty of work, so teams are going to have to be patient. The most vivid area of concern is his health. Players of freakish size, like Jones, can often or not be more injury prone than others. The lefty has already experienced plenty in this department. Back in late March, Jones suffered a season-ending injury. He suffered a left-elbow fracture (his throwing arm) that required surgery, ending his year in high school.
Reportedly, Jones will be ready to play in the summer and should be feeling good next season. The 17-year-old has been considered a favorite to be selected in the first round of the draft. Injury concerns will remain there, but his talent will be obvious to scouts. He should be off the board after the first few rounds at the very least.
MLB Comparison
The obvious comparisons would be towards Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani, for his ability to play two ways. Whether or not Jones continues to pitch and play the field is unknown. There is a high chance that he chooses one or the other, especially moving forward. Jones’ size, and ability to throw heat, makes him comparable with Tyler Glasnow. The young Tampa Bay Rays pitcher throws his fastball around 97 MPH. There is potential for Jones’ velocity to reach another level, but the physical similarities between Glasnow and Jones make this a legitimate comparison. Glasnow is listed at 6-foot-8 and 230 lbs. Jones is lighter than the Rays pitcher, but Glasnow has about seven years on him. Jones can be an exciting prospect for baseball fans. His progress now will prove to be vital in getting him to this year’s draft and beyond.
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