When faced with competition for playing time, a player can rise to the occasion and show he is worthy of the job. Other times, it proves to be too much, and he finds himself on the bench, or worse.
The Cleveland Guardians entered spring training not knowing what their outfield was going to look like. Veteran Steven Kwan and top prospect Chase DeLauter likely had their roles locked up, but the third spot was up for grabs, with many contenders for the position.
Nolan Jones was firmly in the mix to earn it. However, he hasn’t been able to so far, and, in fact, is headed in the opposite direction.
The Guardians outfielder continues to struggle in spring training, with just one hit in his last 23 at-bats.
“Cleveland Guardians OF Nolan Jones finished 0-3 with a walk and three strikeouts vs. the [Colorado] Rockies. Since his huge first game of the spring (2-3 R 2B HR 4RBI) he’s now 1-23 .043 AVG with 1 walk and 13 strikeouts,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Rough spring for Jones continued today…
Cleveland #Guardians OF Nolan Jones finished 0-3 with a walk and three strikeouts vs the Rockies.
Since his huge 1st game of the spring (2-3 R 2B HR 4RBI) he's now 1-23 .043 AVG with 1 walk and 13 strikeouts.#GuardsSpring
— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) March 8, 2026
What is even more concerning is the fact that Jones did not have a very good 2025 season, either. He batted .211 with 113 strikeouts and just five home runs in 403 plate appearances.
Despite that, the Guardians re-signed him this offseason, albeit on a relatively modest contract. They were hopeful he would regain the form that allowed him to hit 20 home runs and steal 20 bases for the Colorado Rockies in 2023, but at just 27 years old, it’s possible his best days are already behind him.
Manager Stephen Vogt remains confident Jones can turn it around, but he is running out of time with difficult decisions yet to be made. There are just 14 spring training games remaining, and the Guardians have multiple players fighting for spots on the Opening Day roster.
George Valera may be in the lead to be the third outfielder in the everyday lineup, and a platoon with Angel Martinez is a possibility. That could leave just one spot available for either Jones or Johnathan Rodriguez. It should also be noted that prospect Khalil Watson has had an excellent spring, with a .429 batting average.
Jones’ roster spot could come down to a decision between him and potential DH CJ Kayfus, who also has been struggling this spring.
NEXT: Analyst Reveals Why Guardians Sent Daniel Espino Back Down To Minors
