The Colorado Rockies are acquiring utility player Greg Jones from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for minor league pitcher Joe Rock. Jones, 26, was Tampa Bay’s first-round pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. He emerged as a top-ten prospect in the team’s farm system heading into the 2022 season. However, his value has seen a significant drop in Double-A Montgomery, where he hit .238/.318/.392. The following season, he hit .244/.318/.432 between Double-A and Triple-A Durham.
Sources: The Rays are acquiring pitcher Joe Rock from the Rockies in exchange for SS/OF Greg Jones.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) March 21, 2024
Greg Jones Traded to the Rockies
Jones has two remaining minor league option years but looks all over the place on the depth chart. The switch-hitter played both in and outfield. With Colorado, Jones will have a better chance of more playing time, especially in the outfield. He will join Brenton Doyle, who is set to be the everyday center fielder but still needs to improve on last year’s inconsistencies at the plate. The duo of Jones and Doyle in the outfield will benefit the Rockies as both players are elite runners who could cover plenty of ground.
Jones can also provide depth in the infield. Ezequiel Tovar has been auditioning for the everyday shortstop role this season, but he has to prove himself in the majors.
Joe Rock Profile
Rock was a left-handed pitching prospect for the Rockies who now joins the Rays. He hoped to be a part of the answer to the Rockies’ pitching woes- quality and depth for their starting pitching. Rock, a second-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, spent time at Double-A Hartford last season. The Rockies offered him a roster invitation to spring training to give him a chance to pitch. His season at Hartford was affected by an early-season left shoulder inflammation but he pitched well when he returned, earning a promotion to Triple-A Albuquerque in September. He collected a 4.66 ERA and 112:34 K:BB over 94 2/3 innings in 20 starts.
He will likely be assigned to Triple-A Durham.
