Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Examining the Rise, 2023 Season of Jared Jones

Breaking down what highly touted Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Jared Jones has accomplished in the minor leagues this season

In both 2021 and 2022, Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect Jared Jones pitched with the Bradenton Marauders and then the Greensboro Grasshoppers. During this time, Jones slowly began to improve his repertoire and develop into a top 100 prospect.

In 10 starts with Double-A Altoona this season he excelled but posted a record of just 1-4. On the surface, this record might look bad, but he had an ERA of 2.23, making him look like an elite future star for the Pirates. His control had improved compared to previous years, with 3.2 walks per 9 innings pitched, along with allowing 6.5 hits per 9 innings.

After 10 starts in Altoona, he was called up to Indianapolis with the chance to reach the majors by the end of the season. However, in 13 games (12 starts) at Triple-A, Jones has struggled. He has posted an ERA of 5.74.

The big issue at Triple-A has been surrendering too many hits. He is allowing the most hits per 9 innings of his career with 8.8 and an increased walk percentage, now walking 4.2 per 9 innings. This means that for a 9-inning game, he would give up 13 base runners, which could be concerning depending on the circumstances.

While he has struggled and most likely won't pitch in the final part of the 2023 season with the Pirates, if he can continue to dominate as he did in Double-A, a rotation spot would gladly be opened for him.

In his career in the minors, his record is 12-21 with an ERA of 4.51 in just 297.1 innings pitched. While he has played in 67 games with 63 starts and showed much potential, it could be another Mitch Keller situation where he is up and down in the majors for a few seasons until he can figure out how to become the pitcher that scouts and fans think he could be.

Regardless of how things shake out, the tools are there for Jones. He should join the major league rotation at some point in 2024 and he has all the tools needed to become a key cog in the Pirate starting rotation for a long time.