The Cleveland Guardians bailed on Nolan Jones because of his strikeout rate

The Cleveland Guardians gave up on Nolan Jones due to his strikeout rate.

The Cleveland Guardians made a socking trade earlier this offseason when they decided to deal one of their best prospects in Nolan Jones to the Colorado Rockies. The move shocked many, especially considering his potential. The original idea was that Jose Ramirez signing long-term with the club affected plans, as Jones was a third baseman.

Due to that, he was also playing some outfield as well. Except the Guardians found talent in the outfield with the likes of Oscar Gonzalez and Steven Kwan, making Jones a man without a spot.

Yet, according to Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com, it seems Jones got dealt due to an unfavorable comparison. Many saw Jones as a new version of Bradley Zimmer, another big bat with power and potential but no ability to make contact.

Considering his strikeout rate was much higher than the league average, one can totally understand the thinking of moving him before his value tanked too much.

The Cleveland Guardians’ trading of Nolan Jones was the right move

The team barely got anything for Zimmer, bringing back pitcher Anthony Castro. Castro struggled in the majors this year, posting a 7.43 ERA, and pitching just 13.1 innings in 2 games. Considering he’s turning 28 for the 2023 season, it’s fair to say he is what he is. An innings eater and little else.

The Guardians at least got Juan Brito in exchange for Jones. Sure, the Guardians did pull the trigger a bit early on him, but they did so when he had value still and it reflected in the fact that they got a promising prospect in Juan Brito.

Brito is only 20 years old and has a nice combination of power and contact. Will he turn into anything more than he is? Who knows, but the Guardians at least maximized an asset in Jones who would only depreciate in value as he struggled more and more at the major league level.

Maybe Jones can turn it around in Denver, but maybe not. What we do know is the Guardians needed to make a move and they did.