The Colorado Rockies will acquire 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 selection in the 2019 MLB Draft. He emerged as a top-ten talent in the team’s farm system entering the 2022 season. However, his value has declined significantly in Double-A Montgomery, where he hit.238/.318/.392. The next season, he hit.244/.318/.432 at Double-A and Triple-A Durham.
Greg Jones Traded to the Rockies
Jones has two minor league option years remaining, but his position on the depth chart is unclear. The switch-hitter played both infield and outfield. Jones’ chances of getting more playing time, particularly in the outfield, will improve with Colorado. He will join Brenton Doyle, who is expected to be the starting center fielder but must improve on last year’s inconsistencies at the plate. The Rockies will benefit from the outfield tandem of Jones and Doyle, both of whom are outstanding runners capable of covering a lot of territory.
Jones can also add depth in the infield. Ezequiel Tovar has been auditioning for the daily shortstop position this season, but he must establish himself in the majors.
Sources: The Rays are acquiring pitcher Joe Rock from the Rockies in exchange for SS/OF Greg Jones.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) March 21, 2024
Joe Rock Profile
Rock, a left-handed pitching prospect for the Rockies, has officially joined the Rays. He hoped to be a part of the solution to the Rockies’ pitching problems: quality and depth in their starting rotation. Rock, a second-round pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, played at Double-A Hartford last season. The Rockies extended him a roster invitation to spring training to give him the opportunity to pitch. His season at Hartford was hampered by an early-season left shoulder irritation, but when he recovered, he pitched well and was promoted to Triple-A Albuquerque in September. Over 94 2/3 innings and 20 starts, he had a 4.66 ERA with a 112:34 K:BB ratio.
He is likely to be assigned to Triple-A Durham.
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