Cleveland Indians Draft 3B Nolan Jones with 55th Pick

Cleveland Indians Draft High School 3B Nolan Jones with 55th Pick

With their second round pick (55th overall), the Cleveland Indians have selected high school third baseman Nolan Jones.

A Philadelphia product, Nolan is a left-handed hitting infielder. He throws right-handed and played shortstop in high school though will move to third base at the next level. He’s got a strong commitment to the University of Virginia, which could be an issue given how low the Indians got him. A top 20 prospect according to many, this is a great get in the second round assuming he can be signed.

Jones is a big kid, standing 6’5 and weighing around 200 pounds. He added a lot of strength his senior year and scouts love his power potential, with scouts projecting him with 20+ home run ability. Most feel he can stick at third base as he has a plus arm (high school pitcher as well), and even be an above average defender there. His bat should play regardless of where he plays on the diamond though and that’s what the Indians are drafting here.

Next: Who Could the Indians Draft Tonight?

Nolan joins fellow prep draft pick Will Benson, who the Indians took with the 14th pick earlier tonight. As mentioned, the Indians could have some issues with Jones and signability. Slot for the 55th pick is only $1,159,200 and it’d be a surprise if Jones doesn’t command well above that to sign.  He’s a guy the Indians could have taken 14th and I don’t think anyone would have batted an eye (I know I wouldn’t have). The Indians have one more selection on Day 1 of the draft at 72, the pick they got as part of the competitive balance lottery.