Mack's Mock v3.0 - Pick 1.2 - OF Druw Jones

   

Andruw Jones  

OF     6-3      180    Wesleyan HS (FL)

 

2-11-22 - https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-draft-prospects-2022-ranking-top-50-players-in-the-class-with-termarr-johnson-at-no-1/?s=03 -

 

4. Druw Jones, CF, Wesleyan High School (GA)

 

The name isn't a coincidence. Jones is the son of Andruw, the longtime Braves center fielder who won 10 Gold Glove Awards and homered 434 times during his big-league career. Predictably, Jones the Younger should become an eraser himself thanks to his above-average speed and his innate feel for the position. At the plate, he has a fast bat and a projectable frame that betoken future muscle and power gains. Scouts do have concerns about the length of his swing, but they believe at his peak he could be an above-average hitter with plus grades on his defense and his baserunning. Jones has an outstanding commitment to Vanderbilt that he seems more likely to leverage in negotiations (à la Jordan Lawlar, the No. 6 pick last summer) than he is to honor it.

 

2-10-22 - https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2022-mlb-mock-draft-version-10/?s=03 -

 

Baseball America 2022 MLB Mock Draft Version 1.0

 

1. Orioles — Druw Jones, OF, Wesleyan HS, Norcross, Ga.

 

Scout’s take: A five-tool prospect, all being future plus to plus-plus. Regardless of how it gets done, he will hit. Jones has a high ceiling, and will only get bigger and stronger with so much remaining to fill out the frame. Scouting from the middle of the field first, he definitely stays there in center. He will have plus power, be a perennial gold glover, and is a better runner than his father.

 

Carlos’ take: When I can, I love to defer the first overall pick just to see who our insiders view as the top choice. It’s not a surprise to see Druw’s name here. He’s the No. 1 player on our board and it feels like his profile appeals strongly to a wider range of evaluators than the other prep hitters who I expect to go quickly. With the Orioles, though, it’s always worth considering an under slot option here. They love to spread money around. Tricky to make that move in a February mock, however. 

 

2-4-22 - https://www.maxpreps.com/news/AixjPJrhdE2_ZvQlE7haTQ/high-school-baseball-georgia-trio-tops-10-mlb-draft-prospects.html -

 

Top 10 Draft Prospects

 

3. Druw Jones, Wesleyan (Norcross, Ga.), OF

 

While pundits spent the winter arguing Andruw Jones Sr.'s Hall of Fame credentials, others were marveling that Druw Jones Jr. has five-tool qualities like his dad, but perhaps better at the same stage in their careers. Some mock drafts project Jones to be the first outfielder chosen, ahead of Green. With 16 home runs as a junior, Jones has the power. He's even better in the outfield, however, where he has plus-plus speed, according to several scouts. 

 

1-15-22 - https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/2022-mlb-draft-top-100-prospects/ -

 

1 Druw Jones Wesleyan HS, Norcross, Ga. OF

 

Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 180 | B-T: R-R

Commit/Drafted: Vanderbilt

Age At Draft: 18.6

 

Perhaps it’s no surprise that the son of former big leaguer Andruw Jones—one of the best defensive center fielders ever—is excellent as a defender in center field as well. On top of his defensive acumen, though, Druw Jones has perhaps the best combination of tools, projection and present baseball skills in the 2022 class. Jones has a lean, athletic frame at 6-foot-4, 180 pounds and while his swing isn’t always the most fluid or ‘hitterish’ presently, he has a knack for making contact and driving the ball hard, with quality swing decisions and an approach that some scouts place near the top of the class. Jones has posted loud exit velocities now and scouts think he can grow into above-average power as he fills out his frame. He could need some swing adjustments to fully unlock that future power—his bat path is level and at times Jones doesn’t fully incorporate his lower half with a wide base—but when he’s synced up and extended, Jones has shown an impressive ability to drive the ball deep to the right-center gap. He’s the best defensive center fielder in the class, with tremendous instincts and athleticism, as well as 70-grade speed. He should cover plenty of ground with an elite first step and intimidate runners with a howitzer throwing arm that some scouts have given top-of-the-scale grades. Jones has also shown impressive actions at shortstop in workouts, and it wouldn’t be crazy for a team to try him there, but most evaluators view him as such a natural defender in center that it will be easiest to put him there and let him focus on hitting. Jones is committed to Vanderbilt but should be one of the first players drafted and has a chance to be the No. 1 pick. 

 

12-30-21 - https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2021/12/29/2022-mlb-draft-top-300-prospects -

 

2. Druw Jones

Outfield, Wesleyan HS

 

Jones has some of the most explosive athletic ability in the 2022 class and the namesake to draw in fans. The bat-to-ball skills here are impressive. Jones has really seen his raw power take enormous steps in the last several months with most scouts comfortably placing plus grades on the juice. At 6-foot-3, Jones has a prototype frame that will undoubtedly stick in centerfield thanks to top-of-the-scale speed and impressive on-field instincts. He may end up an elite defender like his dad thanks to terrific speed and a plus arm to go along with it. Some scouts have envisioned a potential shortstop here too. He produces big barrel velocities with violent hands and an aggressive, whippy swing plane. He gets fantastic extension at the plate as well. The entire package is incredibly advanced. Evaluators want to see Jones quiet down his loading mechanism and iron out his timing at the plate moving forward. It's about the only thing left in unlocking what could be superstar potential. 

 

1-5-21 - https://www.prospectslive.com/prospects-live/2022-mlb-mock-draft - Prospect Live Mock Draft 1.0

 

 Baltimore Orioles

Druw Jones, Outfield, Wesleyan

 

What a perfect year for General Manager Mike Elias and Co.™ to be drafting no. 1 overall. A class chockfull of talent on both the college and high school side, Baltimore could go any number of directions. In this case, we think Elias grabs the lanky, projectable high school star with mammoth upside in Jones. While the Orioles have preferred to go with under-slot college bats of late, when given the opportunity to select a franchise cornerstone, Elias selected Carlos Correa no. 1 overall in 2012. Granted, that was a signing bonus haircut too. If we know anything about the Orioles, they’ll chase a deal when in-between choices. Jones has superstar upside and will almost assuredly stay up the middle of the field. He’s a top-of-the-scale runner and defender with easy plus raw power and a burgeoning hit tool. Some see a Byron Buxton-esque final product. If Baltimore goes the college route, keep an eye on Cal Poly shortstop Brooks Lee here.

  

12-21-21 - https://roxpile.com/2021/12/21/2022-mlb-draft-preview-prep-bats-colorado-rockies-possibility/ -

 

Druw Jones | OF | Suwanee, GA

 

The young outfielder has remarkable range and speed that profile well for center-field. There’s promising power potential and bat-to-ball skills, as well.

 

The combination of these tools was enough for MLB.com to rank Jones as their top 2022 draft prospect.

 

93 mph max exit velo (96th percentile)

6.31 second 60-yard dash (99th percentile) 

 

https://www.bucsdugout.com/2021/12/21/22846733/what-route-will-pittsburgh-pirates-take-in-2022-mlb-draft -

 

Druw Jones

 

MLB.com’s top prospect at this point is Druw Jones, a 6-foot-4, 180-pound right-handed hitting outfielder from Wesleyan High School in Norcross, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta. If the name sounds familiar, it should, as Jones is the son of longtime major league outfielder Andruw Jones, who spent 17 years in the big leagues, including 12 with the Atlanta Braves.

 

The younger Jones, rated No. 4 among high school draft prospects by Baseball America, appears to be a chip off the old block defensively, as MLB rates him as the best defensive center fielder among all high school players eligible for the 2022 draft and indicates that he might be the best overall draft-eligible defender, regardless of position.

 

The 18-year-old Vanderbilt recruit is no slouch at the plate, either; his scouting grade for the hit tool is at 55 and he has a 60 power grade to go along with 70 grades for both fielding and running and 65 for his throwing arm. 

 

12-17-21 - Perfect Game Mock Draft -

 

5. Washington Nationals | Andruw Jones, OF, Wesleyan HS (Ga.)

 

Jones’s knack for preforming against top-level talent has now placed him squarely in the conversation to become a top-five pick. The body and measurables all project as a top-end defender at the pro level with very little question as to whether he will stick in center field with his 6.3 speed. At the plate he has as much upside if not more than any prep bat in the class. A slender 6-foot-4, 180-pound frame still leaves plenty to dream on suggesting the power he has shown is just the beginning of what’s to come. -Colt Olinger 

 

12-15-21 - mlb - mock draft -

 

2. Diamondbacks: Druw Jones, OF, Wesleyan HS (Peachtree Corners, Ga.)

 

Jones is a taller, leaner version of his father Andruw and could have plus hitting ability and power to go with double-plus speed, arm strength and center-field defense. While Johnson has a higher floor, Jones possesses a loftier ceiling. 

 

12-7-21 - SF Draft Talk - Top 25 -

 

7. Druw Jones

 

Position: Outfield

 

School: Wesleyan (GA)

 

Commitment: Vanderbilt

 

As a hitter, Jones has a low effort swing and efficient movements in the box. His measurables, including hand speed, bat speed, and rotational acceleration are all top of the scale. Jones makes a lot of hard contact and well above average bat-to-ball skills. What's impressive about Jones is how hard he can impact the ball while still being exceptionally projectable at 6'3/180. Nearly all of his power plays up the middle and the opposite way. There is significant raw power potential but he'll need to improve the quality of his batted balls. Jones struggles to get the ball in the air consistently and doesn't have swing mechanics that are conducive to pull side contact. With added strength and further refinement to the swing, Jones could have plus game power at the next level. Jones could go 1st overall if he shows more consistency with the bat this spring.

  

11-12-21 - Through The Fence Mock 2.0 -

 

6. Miami Marlins: Druw Jones, OF, Wesleyan HS (FL)

 

Why does this dude remind me of former MLB star Andruw Jones? Because it’s his son, that’s why! Welcome to the prospect ranks Druw Jones. His athletic ability is among the best in this year’s crop. He’s 6’3″ and has the skills and instincts to stay in centerfield full-time. Much like a few other prospects on this list, he has plus-plus speed and amazes in the field and at the plate. The exit velocity off his bat is eye-popping. Much like Green, he has five-tool potential. 

 

11-11-21 - Baseball America -

 

The son of five-time all-star Andruw Jones, Druw Jones has as much upside as any player in the country. Like his father, he is a premium defensive center fielder and has a projectable build. He’s a plus runner and shows some feel for the barrel. He needs to get stronger and more consistent to reach his potential offensively, but given his raw tools and background, there’s reason to believe he’ll make the jump. Infielder 

 

11-1-21 - Prospect Live - Top 200 Prospects -

 

2. Druw Jones

Outfield, Wesleyan HS

 

Jones has some of the most explosive athletic ability in the 2022 class and the namesake to draw in fans. The bat-to-ball skills here are impressive. Primarily an opposite field slasher to date, Jones went through a swing change recently and is now generating more power and producing more pull-side pop. He’s really engaging his lower half well and driving the ball with authority. At 6-foot-3, Jones has a prototype frame that should stick in centerfield thanks to top-of-the-scale speed and impressive on-field instincts. He produces big barrel velocity with violent hands and an aggressive, whippy swing plane. He gets fantastic extension at the plate as well. Jones may end up a plus-plus defender in centerfield with terrific speed and a plus arm to go along with it. He’s a high-level defensive prospect with a budding bat that may end up matching his elite chops in the field. Some scouts have envisioned a potential shortstop here too. The entire package is incredibly advanced. 

 

10-31-21 - Fantrax top 2024 Fantasy Players -

 

15. Druw Jones (OF – Wesleyan HS)

 

Son of former MLB all-star center fielder Andruw Jones, Druw Jones is one of the most exciting prospects in the 2022 draft class. Let’s just say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Jones is a 70-grade runner that has shown exceptional bat speed and contact skills with developing power as well. And with his frame, there’s projection for more bulk and power over the next few years. He’s going to be a dynamic player even without any additional power. But if that power does come, Jones could develop into a star. 

 

10-19-21 - Through The Fence - Mock 1.0 -

 

3. Texas Rangers: Druw Jones, OF, Wesleyan HS (FL)

 

Why does this dude remind me of former MLB star Andruw Jones? Because it’s his son, that’s why! Welcome to the prospect ranks Druw Jones. His athletic ability is among the best in this year’s crop. He’s 6’3″ and has the skills and instincts to stay in centerfield full-time. Much like a few other prospects on this list, he has plus-plus speed and amazes in the field and at the plate. The exit velocity off his bat is eye-popping. Much like Green, he has five-tool potential. 

 

10-16-21 - BA -

 

Druw Jones, OF, Wesleyan HS, Norcross, Ga.

Travel Team: FTB/Philadelphia Phillies Scout Team 2022

Commitment: Vanderbilt

 

With Elijah Green not attending Jupiter, Jones was the second-ranked bat at the event behind only Termarr Johnson. It wasn’t the best showing for the Vanderbilt commit, who tallied just one hit in five games and 15 plate appearances, going 1-for-11 (.091) with a single and three walks. Jones did put the ball in play consistently and often with hard contact, but he regularly hit loud ground balls right at the shortstop or second baseman. He turned in a few plus run times from home to first, but otherwise had a fairly quiet week.

  

10-12-21 - BA- Minority All-American Game -

 

2022 Class

 

Druw Jones, OF, Georgia

 

The No. 4 player in the 2022 high school class and a Vanderbilt commit, Jones has elite defensive potential in center field. He has a tall, lean frame (6-foot-3, 180 pounds) with plus-plus speed and strong defensive instincts, breaking well off the bat with good routes to all angles. While it might sound strange to say for a player who could be a top-tier defender at a premium position, it wouldn't be a surprise to see teams at least toy with a new position for Jones. He took pregame ground balls in the infield in Miami, something he has done at other events as well. He's more experienced in center field so he looks more comfortable there now, but some teams that place a significantly higher premium on shortstops over center fielders are intrigued by what Jones could do if given more time and repetitions in the infield. Center field is still the most likely home for Jones, but a team trying him at shortstop with the backup plan of having a high-level defender in center field is something to watch as the draft gets closer. 

 

10-8-21 - Standouts - Baseball Factory All-American Game -

 

Druw Jones, OF, Wesleyan HS, Norcross, Ga.

Committed: Vanderbilt

 

Jones was named the MVP of the game after going 2-for-4 with a triple and single, and he also flashed his defensive ability with an impressive running catch in right field. There were plenty of hard-hit balls in this game, but Jones was the only player with multiple 100-plus mph exit velocity hits in the game.

 

He reached on an infield single in his first trip to the plate, turning a 93 mph fastball around at 104 mph to the left side of the infield, and in his second trip to the plate he drove an 89 mph fastball to deep right-center. The ball left his bat at 103 mph and he also clocked an impressive home to first time of 4.33 seconds, while rounding the bag instead of running straight through it.

 

Jones has a unique swing that doesn’t always look the prettiest, but he routinely finds the barrel in games against quality pitching, and despite a very lean, 6-foot-4, 180-pound frame puts more of a charge into the ball than you might expect—look no further than his loud exit velocities for evidence of that. It’s a handsy operation and he’ll often get off balance in his lower half or pull out towards left field with his legs, though he showed in this game the ability to impact the ball to the opposite field gap.

 

Jones played center and right field, and made one of the more impressive defensive plays in a game that was a bit light on web gems or defensive highlights, but he also took ground balls at shortstop before the game and during Friday’s workout. Jones showed above-average arm strength from the outfield and the arm worked well at shortstop as well, where he also displayed fluid actions, a solid back hand and the ability to throw well while off balance.

 

10-4-21 - Prospect Live Mock Draft Oct 4th -

 

1. Baltimore Orioles

Druw Jones, OF, Wesleyan Academy

 

This may come as a surprise to some, but in terms of process and evaluation, it makes a whole lot of sense. We believe Jones is not only one of the most exciting talents in this class, but his profile also fits the Mike Elias Standard Operating Procedure™.

 

Jones has every tool in the bag. The kid can hit, he’s an elite runner, there’s juice in the bat and he’s got a hose in the outfield. He’s every bit the athlete his father was and maybe more. Now, sure, it all clicked for his dad and that remains to be seen here, but Jones has all the building blocks necessary to be a star.

 

By the time the draft rolls around, maybe Jones is the presumptive 1.1 anyways, so the narrative here won’t fit. But if draft day arrives and Elias can save a chunk of change selecting Jones over other names at the top of this class, it certainly wouldn’t be the first time we’ve seen it. Maybe Jones is Elias’s Baltimore reboot of Carlos Correa.

 

James Madison outfielder Chase DeLauter might end up making some sense here too. That’d make it three straight years of college outfielders for the Elias regime. In this scenario, we see the Orioles GM jumping for upside and potential stardom. 

 

10-4-21 - BPJ Mock #1 -

 

7. Chicago Cubs: Andrew Jones, OF, Wesleyan (Ga.) HS

 

Jones is the son of former MLB outfielder Andrew Jones. He is a quality defensive outfielder who has above-average speed and plenty of potential remaining in his game. The right-handed hitter consistently barrels up pitches and has displayed an improved power potential over the last year. 

 

9-25-21 - Carlos Collazo @CarlosACollazo

 

A lot of words and video to come from the Baseball Factory All-America Game this weekend, but in addition to MVP OF Druw Jones (GA), I was really impressed by 3B Cam Collier (GA) and SS/2B Mikey Romero (CA 

 

9-22-21 - Bleed Cubbie Blue -

 

Druw Jones, center field. Wesleyan High School (GA)

 

Yes. That’s Andruw Jones’ son. Yes, he’s representing the moniker, so far. He’s 6’3”, because why not? He’s still tinkering with his swing a bit, but pretty much every prep will adjust a little something with their swing as they develop. (Brennen Davis is a good example.) If “forced” to accept Jones with the first pick, he seems acceptable. 

 

9-22-21 - Callis and Mayo's Top 5 Picks  -

 

Druw Jones was chosen by Callis at No. 3. The son of former 17-year Major Leaguer Andruw Jones, Druw is loaded with tools and athleticism. According to Callis, one scout said you could give Jones 60 grades across the board on the 20-to-80 scouting scale. 

 

9-18-21 - Perfect Game Florida  @Florida_PG

 

Andruw Jones (‘22 GA) ropes a no-doubter and knows it right away; no words necessary, just simply go enjoy this swing. Vandy commit. 

 

9-1-21 - MLB - Top high school prospects for '22 Draft

 

4. Druw Jones, OF, Wesleyan HS (Ga.)

 

College commitment: Vanderbilt

 

Andruw Jones’ kid is athletic and tooled up, with no major weaknesses. Though there are some swing mechanics that don’t look perfect, he has a knack for barreling up the baseball, plus he can really run and defend in center field, with one scout saying you could give him 60 grades on the 20-to-80 scouting scale across the board. 

 

8-12-21 - Talking Chop - Georgia Prospects -

 

Druw Jones, OF, Wesleyan HS -

 

Yes he is the son of Braves legend Andruw Jones. Druw Jones is a potential five tool talent with power, speed, defense, and an arm. There are some questions about his ability to hit, though he has made some changes to his swing and seems to be progressing this summer. Druw is an exciting player to watch, though his stock will very much be determined by how well the hit tool plays over the course of the next year.