Cleveland Indians: Three players to watch during Spring Training

Nolan Jones

We’ve been talking about Nolan Jones all offseason and hopefully that will continue once Spring Training begins and carry into the season. The arrival of Jones has been long awaited and could finally happen this season. The spring, however, might determine where on the field it happens.

Being drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Jones is part of the same class that has produced Shane Bieber, Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale. Jones went in the second, Civale in the third, Bieber in the fourth and then Plesac in the 12th. With the other three already in the majors, Jones will be the last of the bunch.

What held Jones back a bit was his position, the Indians have had Jose Ramirez entrenched at third base for a few years now. However, that could all change a bit with Jones possibly moving in the field. The Indians asked him to play first and the outfield, and that’s where Spring Training will be huge for Jones.

He will need to prove that he can play one of those positions if he wants to see time in the majors this year. Third basemen have moved to first before, but as they say in ‘Moneyball’ “It’s incredibly hard.” As for the outfield, that would be a gift to the Indians’ outfield issues.

No matter where he settles in, Jones will need to show that not only is he MLB-ready, but he’s ready at a position that needs a starter.