With CTC No. 6 prospect Nolan Jones expected to make his debut tonight against the Kansas City Royals, the talented 24-year-old third baseman/outfielder will finish a long and wild journey through the Guardians’ minor league system that began over five years ago.
Taken No. 55 overall in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Jones fell due to signing concerns, so Cleveland gave him over $1 million over his slot value. He signed July 1, 2016, and made his professional debut July 6, 2016, walking twice in four plate appearances against the AZL Dodgers.
The Guardians were patient with Jones at first, beginning at half-season Low-A Mahoning Valley in 2017.