LSU first baseman turns heads at MLB Draft combine

MLB’s fourth annual Draft Combine is underway at Phoenix’s Chase Field, which included a five-hour broadcast on MLB Network of a pro-style workout. Position players invited from around the country are taking part in batting practice and infield/outfield drills, with pitchers throwing bullpen sessions.

The show includes analysis of the prospects as well as interviews with players and team executives.

While there have been some impressive performances so far, none have caught the eye of the scouts as much as has LSU’s Jared Jones, a sophomore first baseman and catcher out of Marietta, Georgia.

This comes as no surprise to the Tiger nation, since Jones ripped 28 homers in 66 games this season, including a 417 foot monster that landed in the parking lot against Tennessee in the Super Regionals.

Related stories

MLB

Shohei Ohtani will replace Mookie Betts as leadoff hitter

MLB

Gerrit Cole is back with the Yankees

Jones possesses as much raw power and bat speed as any college player and it is his average that will concern MLB teams. A significant swing-and-miss concern, Jones impressed in the 2022 combine as well, but opted to go to Baton Rouge where they moved him from behind the plate to first base.

The question is whether or not he belongs at that top level of the MLB Draft or whether he decides to continue developing at LSU. So much rides on this combine performance but so far, he has really helped his own cause.