Chosen in the 12th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, Brendan Jones He arrived in the Yankees organization with little fanfare. However, the speedy outfielder has quickly captured the attention of the entire farm system, drawing flattering comparisons to Brett Gardner, the beloved former Yankees spark plug. With exceptional speed, contact-oriented hitting and stellar defensive instincts, Jones is shaping up to be a future midfield mainstay, perhaps sooner than anyone expected.
The Kansas State standout changes the course of her career
Jones began his college career at Kansas State University in 2022, juggling his baseball ambitions with preparations for dental school, following in the footsteps of his father, Fred, a practicing dentist. Three years later, Jones abandoned academic pursuits for sports, and Monument Park now represents his final professional destination.
Despite being only 5’7″ and not being ranked among the best players, Jones had an extraordinary final college season. As the Wildcats’ leadoff hitter in 2024, he posted a .303/.442/.500 line with nine home runs and 69 runs in 61 games. He led the Big 12 conference with 40 stolen bases and 55 walks. This performance caught the attention of Matt Ranson, the Yankees’ Midwest area scout, who initially visited campus to evaluate other players.
“He was a guy who could do that,” Ranson said. “There’s no tool that stands out other than the running tool… but when you put it all down, you’re like, ‘This guy is a really good baseball player.'”
Making noise in professional ball
Selected 361st overall, Jones immediately validated the organization’s investment by converting all 18 stolen base attempts during his professional debut. His combination of baserunning instincts, explosive first step and decisiveness have made him one of the most dangerous runners in the system.
“I’m an all-around guy that uses my speed,” Jones said. “My grandfather calls himself ‘Fast Freddie.’ “He always told me, if anyone ever asks, that I got my speed from him.”
This spring, Jones appeared in 15 major league camp games despite not receiving a non-roster invitation. He impressed by hitting 5-for-16 (.313) with a .450 on-base percentage, including an infield single against Philadelphia. That particular play highlighted his speed of 29.5 feet per second, which ranks in the 99th percentile of the MLB.
“For a new recruit to come in and do that at the pro level, and there’s no obvious gap in his game… it’s like, ‘All right, this guy’s interesting,'” assistant hitting coach Casey Dykes said.
Style, substance and punch: Jones reflects Gardner
In addition to his athletic qualities, Jones has impressed the Yankees’ development staff with his plate discipline, baseball intelligence and tireless work ethic. These attributes have fueled comparisons with Gardner, reflecting similarities in playing style, temperament and club presence.
“That’s who he is,” Yankees director of baseball development Mario Garza explained. “He’s that bold, the kind you want up there when it’s a big moment.”
“He’s brave,” batting coach James Rowson added. “He looks like a baseball player… that’s a compliment.”
Even coach Aaron Boone has noticed the young outfielder’s potential.
“I definitely liked it when it came,” Boone said. “He hits a good shot, he runs, he moves well on the field.”
An unlikely climb, but a known path
Jones was not a projected early pick. He hit just .238 the season before being drafted and rarely received any spotlight. However, the Yankees recognized untapped potential. Scouting director Damon Oppenheimer highlighted his projection:
“He’s different than Gardy, but he’s definitely in the same mold…His desire, brains and work ethic give him a good opportunity to maximize his tools and skills to land a major league outfield job in the future.”
This assessment resonates throughout the scouting department. Ranson, whose previous discoveries include Sonny Gray, Matt Olson and Trevor Stephan, recognizes familiar characteristics in Jones.
“All the guys I’ve signed and who have gone on to play in the big leagues have what I’ve seen in Brendan: that drive, that desire.”
2025 and trade
Jones split his season between High-A and Double-A, finishing 124 games with impressive overall production. He hit an average around .245, took a lot of walks and showed developing power with 11 home runs. Jones’ hitting percentage was an outstanding .359, showing better plate discipline against a host of young pitches.
Where Jones truly made his mark was on the bases. He stole over 50 bases, becoming one of the most prolific threats in the minor leagues in 2025. His speed turned routine singles into extra-base opportunities and created constant pressure on opposing defenses.
Jones’ rise earned him Eastern League Player of the Week honors in July 2025, a rare distinction in Double-A competition. His performance put him on the radar of industry evaluators and raised expectations about his future career.
Jones’ 2025 batting line – with an OBP near .360 – reflected better pitch recognition and more consistent swing decisions. That type of offensive profile is rare among players so early in their professional career and suggests he could quickly advance to Triple-A and potentially the MLB in 2026.
His combination of 11 home runs and more than 50 steals offered a rare blend of power and speed. Few minor leaguers offer that kind of dual threat, which made Jones one of the most exciting young talents in the minor leagues before changing organizations.
On January 13, 2026, the Yankees included him in a four-player trade package with the Miami Marlins in exchange for left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers. Along with Jones, New York also sent outfielder Dillon Lewis, first baseman Dylan Jasso and shortstop Juan Matheus in the deal.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
