Usually, when a team trades away a player, it’s because they have effectively moved on from him, or need to flip him to get something they want or covet in return.
That’s why an organization that has traded a player rarely tries to pursue him in the future even if their needs change.
But the Cleveland Guardians aren’t worried about what people might say or think.
They just want to get better right now.
That’s why they, on Saturday, traded for outfielder Nolan Jones a little over two years after dealing him to Colorado for Juan Brito.
It has been a crazy few years for Jones as far as his trajectory goes, but here he is, ready to help the Guardians again.
Guardians Prospective puts everything in perspective, detailing the dates of every move involving Jones during his pro career.
“Cleveland #Guardians OF Nolan Jones timeline. Drafted – 6/9/2016. Signed – 7/1/2016. MLB Debut – 7/8/2022. Traded to Rockies – 11/15/2022. Traded to Cleveland – 3/22/2025,” he posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians OF Nolan Jones timeline.
Drafted – 6/9/2016
Signed – 7/1/2016
MLB Debut – 7/8/2022
Traded to Rockies – 11/15/2022
Traded to Cleveland – 3/22/2025#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/r5y5bjVMAB— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 23, 2025
Jones was, as you can see, drafted and developed by Cleveland.
He was taken in the draft a few months before their World Series run.
He made his MLB debut with Cleveland in 2022 but was traded to Colorado a few months later.
Then, he blossomed in the Rocky Mountains, posting a phenomenal .931 OPS in 2023 with 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in 106 games.
He took a step back last year with a .641 OPS after battling some injury issues.
Now, he is returning to the organization that developed him because they needed a powerful outfielder who could start against right-handers.
That’s exactly the role that fits Jones best.
You would think, with the road he has taken to this point, that Jones is a seasoned veteran.
Well, he is still just 26 and could be a key piece for the Guardians going forward.
NEXT: Guardians Bid Farewell To Tyler Freeman
