Greg Jones

A late-rising high school prospect in the 2017 draft class, Jones ranked No. 75 on the 2017 BA 500 thanks to his elite speed, plus throwing arm and potential as a switch-hitter. Ultimately, Jones made it to campus at UNC Wilmington due to his lack of track record and the fact that he was older for the class. Now a draft-eligible sophomore, Jones has the same collection of tantalizing tools but is putting together a strong spring with the bat after a mediocre freshman season (.278/.412/.370). Scouts questioned Jones’ hit tool prior to this spring, especially after he struggled in the Cape Cod League last summer with a strikeout rate close to 30 percent. This spring, however, Jones has cut his whiff rate down to 13 percent through 47 games, striking out 29 times compared to 40 walks. He’s hit for more power in games as well, although he does most of his damage via doubles and triples. His 80-grade speed has also shown up on the base paths, where he has 31 stolen bases through his first 38 attempts. Jones didn’t play shortstop at the beginning of the season while he was dealing with shoulder soreness, but even when he got back to the position scouts wondered if he had the skill to stay there at the next level. He has the plus arm strength, range and athleticism to handle shortstop, but he lacks consistency and focus, often struggling on routine plays with questionable hands. He could be a plus defender in center field with his current skill set, and many scouts will submit him to their teams as an outfielder rather than a shortstop. Jones’ upside is tremendous, and he could grow into above-average raw power as he fills out his 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame with plenty of bat speed from both sides.