Colorado Rockies' Nolan Jones Stands With Elite Company in Recent History Books
In this story:
Colorado Rockies outfielder Nolan Jones attracted plenty of attention with his breakout campaign in 2023, but his stats went beyond just being impressive for a rookie.
MLB Network recently compiled a list of the last five left-handed hitters to post an OPS over .900 against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers in a single season, with Jones having accomplished the feat last year. Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman was the only other player to do so in 2023.
Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez was the lone lefty to reach both thresholds in 2022, while Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker and former Los Angeles Angels designated hitter did so in 2021.
That is pretty notable company for the 25-year-old Jones, who finished fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting after putting up those gaudy numbers. Ohtani, meanwhile, rode his stat line to an MVP Award. Freeman and Alvarez both finished third in MVP voting when they joined the exclusive club.
Jones may not have come particularly close to that kind of hardware, but MLB Network did peg him as the No. 3 left fielder in baseball entering 2024.
Jones started 2023 in Triple-A, and he didn't make his Rockies debut until late May. In the 106 appearances he made from that point on, Jones hit .297 with 20 home runs, 62 RBI, 20 stolen bases, a .931 OPS and a 4.3 WAR.
Against righties, Jones hit .289 with a .550 slugging percentage and .945 OPS. Versus lefties, he hit .314 with a .525 slugging percentage and .902 OPS.
On top of his production at the plate, Jones also led the league with 19 outfield assists.
Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media
Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.
You can also follow Sam Connon on Twitter @SamConnon.
