MLB Draft: 2016 Top High School Third Baseman

May 18, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Daniel Murphy (20) hits a RBI single against the New York Mets during the third inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Nolan Jones comes from Holy Ghost Prep in Pennsylvania and is committed to Virginia. He stands at six-foot-four, weighs 185 pounds, and has room to grow into his frame. Jones just turned 18, as he was born May 2, 1998. Jones is a player who could fall to the Pirates, as he will go in the 20 range.

Jones currently plays shortstop, but with his frame a move to third, or even second, is more likely. He has a left handed stroke and should develop into 15 home runs and mid 30 doubles a year player, as Jones has good bat speed. He stands square and wide in the box, brings his front leg back but not his foot (see Albert Pujols), and then he brings his hands back before launching forward. He has solid hands and a slightly better than average arm, which makes third or second his most likely options.

Overall, Jones would be an excellent pick at 22, it would not be an overreach, and it would be about where he should go. His overall ceiling is a Daniel Murphy type player, a player who doesn’t have the best range or speed, but hits for a nice average and has decent pop.

Next: Another Florida State

Schedule