Arizona Diamondbacks prospect and the 2022 No. 2 overall pick Druw Jones is used to the comparisons to his father, Andruw.
Andruw Jones was a five-time MLB All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, and his son begins his pro career playing the same position: center field.
Jones told reporters at Chase Field Saturday after signing his contract with the D-backs that while his dad was a little bigger than he is, the two are similar players.
“A lot of people will say we’re almost exactly the same,” Jones said. “I mean, I grew up watching him play, so that’s pretty much where I get all the instincts from, I guess.”
Jones was praised as a draft prospect for his combination of power at the plate and defensive prowess. Should his MLB career shape out like his father’s, the D-backs would be big winners.
proud to be defensive player of the year
@PGAllAmerican @WesleyanWolves @ftbteams pic.twitter.com/DfQ0P43ZnM
— druw jones (@jones_druw) August 25, 2021
The future of Arizona’s outfield is bright with 22-year-old Alek Thomas and 26-year-old Daulton Varsho set as everyday contributors in the bigs and top prospect Corbin Carroll having a strong season in the minors.
Scott Boras, Jones’ agent, told reporters his client has rare grace for someone his age.
Boras compared Jones to hall of famer Roberto Alomar, saying the recent draftee already has MLB-caliber defensive instincts and skill.
“In my history, I’ve never had anyone in many, many drafts that I could say that about who played centerfield, because there’s a lot about the acumen of how to do that position correctly,” Boras said. “Druw has obviously had great tutelage, but he also has an instinct about him.”
D-backs manager Torey Lovullo had a one-on-one meeting with Jones Saturday and praised the 18-year-old’s maturity.
Lovullo said they had an engaging conversation, noting Jones’ confidence.
#12 pic.twitter.com/eGr7rd30AA
— druw jones (@jones_druw) April 29, 2021
Jones said on the Bally Sports Arizona broadcast his pro career will begin in the Arizona Complex League, but his goal is to make the majors quickly.
“I want to be a major leaguer,” Jones said. “So just making sure to go through all the ranks and get everything done and learn a lot from a lot of different players and different coaches and things like that. Just keep playing my game and make it quick.”