Dodgers Draft: Three options for the first round

Dodgers Draft: Jared Jones, RHP

A local product from La Mirada High School, right-hander Jared Jones was mocked to the Dodgers by Prospects 365. The young pitcher, who has also played in the outfield, stands 6-foot-2 at 175 pounds. He made Los Angeles headlines last march when he pitched a perfect game against Bellflower.

"“I’ve never seen a perfect game live, and that was pretty fun,” his coach Jimmy Zurn told the Los Angeles Times. “It was incredible. It was one of those days everything he threw was around the zone. He had 18 balls out of 79 pitches.”"

Jones has a unique repertoire of pitches for his age, which has been noted across multiple scouting reports. Baseball America notes, “Jones dominates with his fastball, but he flashes a sharp, above-average slider in the mid-80s and is developing his changeup.”

Committed to Texas, it seems Jones will likely be selected in the late first round or compensatory rounds (the Dodgers also hold the 66th overall pick). It would be fun to see the team select a local kid who has the chance to develop into a special arm.

What seems most impressive in watching available video is Jones’ ability to “pitch” rather than “throw” at such a young age. He changes the timing of his pitches, plays games with hitters, and does the little things needed to make a difference beyond just relying on his talent.