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Mets Sign Reliever Zack Jones to Minor League Deal

By John Sheridan

February 19, 2019 No comments

Photo by MiLB

The New York Mets have signed former Minnesota Twins prospect Zack Jones to a minor league deal according to Mike Mayer of MMN. The 28-year-old reliever was the Twins fourth round draft pick in the 2012 draft, and he would pitch in the Twins organization until June last year.

In 2017, Jones would be limited to just three relief appearances as he had suffered a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder which required season ending surgery. He would start the 2018 season pitching for the Twins Double-A affiliate. In 17 appearances, he was 1-1 with one save, a 2.49 ERA, 1.382 WHIP, 8.9 BB/9, and a 13.9 K/9.

After he was released, he signed with the St. Paul Saints of the Independent League. In 27 appearances, he was 1-0 with 10 saves, a 2.03 ERA, 1.088 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9, and a 12.8 K/9. He would also pitch for Naranjeros de Hermosillo of the Mexican Winter Leagues. In 20 appearances, he was 1-1 with five saves, a 3.43 ERA, 1.000 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9, and an 11.6 K/9.

When healthy, Jones is able to throw his fastball in the upper 90s with a good slider. He is able to utilize the combination to rack up strikeouts, but his inability to harness them has led to bouts of wildness and high walk numbers. He has been noted to have a “closer’s mentality” and has had success in the closer’s role.