Who is Brendan Jones, Yankees rookie mirroring Brett Gardner blueprint

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Brendan Jones once envisioned himself wielding dental instruments. Now, the 22-year-old outfielder finds himself wielding a bat and glove with unexpected promise, potentially charting a course straight to Yankee Stadium.

Drafted in the 12th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, Jones arrived in the Yankees organization with little fanfare. Yet the speedy outfielder has quickly captured attention throughout the farm system, drawing flattering comparisons to Brett Gardner, the beloved former Yankee’s spark plug. With exceptional speed, contact-oriented hitting, and stellar defensive instincts, Jones is emerging as a potential future centerfield mainstay—perhaps sooner than anyone anticipated.

Kansas State standout shifts career path

Jones began his collegiate journey at Kansas State University in 2022, balancing baseball ambitions with dental school preparations—following in the footsteps of his father, Fred, a practicing dentist. Three years later, Jones abandoned academic pursuits for athletic ones, with Monument Park now representing his ultimate professional destination.

Despite standing just 5-foot-10 and lacking prospect rankings, Jones experienced a remarkable final collegiate season. Batting leadoff for the Wildcats in 2024, he posted a .303/.442/.500 slash line with nine home runs and 69 runs across 61 games. He led the Big 12 conference with 40 stolen bases while drawing 55 walks. This performance caught Yankees Midwest area scout Matt Ranson’s attention, who initially visited campus to evaluate other players.

“He was a guy that could do that,” Ranson said. “There’s no eye-popping tool, aside from the run tool… but when you put it all down on paper, you’re like, ‘This guy is a really good baseball player.'”

Making noise in pro 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 decision-making ability has established him as one of the system’s most dangerous runners.

“I’m a guy who uses my speed in all aspects,” Jones said. “My grandfather calls himself ‘Fast Freddie.’ He always told me, if anybody ever asks, 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 batting 5-for-16 (.313) with a .450 on-base percentage, including a walk-off infield single against Philadelphia. That particular play showcased his 29.5 feet-per-second sprint speed—ranking in MLB’s 99th percentile.

“For a new draftee to come in and do that at the pro level, and for there not to be any glaring holes in his game… it’s like, ‘All right, this guy is interesting,'” noted assistant hitting coach Casey Dykes.

Style, substance, and grit: Jone mirrors Gardner

Beyond his athletic tools, Jones has impressed Yankees development staff with his plate discipline, baseball intelligence, and tireless work ethic. These attributes have fueled the Gardner comparisons—reflecting similarities in playing style, temperament, and clubhouse presence.

“That’s the kind of dude he is,” explained Yankees director of baseball development Mario Garza. “He’s edgy like that, the guy you want up there when it’s a big moment.”

“He’s gritty,” hitting coach James Rowson added. “He looks like a baseball player… that’s a compliment.”

Even manager Aaron Boone has taken notice of the young outfielder’s potential.

“I’ve definitely liked when he’s come over,” Boone said. “He gives a good at-bat, runs, moves well in the outfield.”

An unlikely rise, but a familiar path

Jones wasn’t a projected early selection. He batted just .238 the season before being drafted and rarely received spotlight attention. However, the Yankees recognized untapped potential. Scouting director Damon Oppenheimer highlighted his projection:

“He’s different than Gardy, but definitely in that same mold… His desire, brains and work ethic give him a good chance to maximize his tools and skills to get 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.

“Every guy I’ve signed who went on to play in the big leagues has what I’ve seen in Brendan — that drive, that desire.”

Where he fits in a crowded outfield

Jones isn’t the only outfield prospect within the Yankees’ development pipeline. Jasson Domínguez has returned healthy to the majors, Spencer Jones continues refining his approach in Double-A, and Everson Pereira is rehabilitating from Tommy John surgery. Meanwhile, Cody Bellinger occupies center field with a contract opt-out possibility following this season.

Nevertheless, Jones could accelerate through the system. With continued production at High-A Hudson Valley, a Double-A Somerset promotion might arrive quickly. His stock within prospect rankings likely rises if current performance trends continue.

One National League scout who evaluated Jones in Tampa last year identified him as his “favorite position player” from the Yankees’ 2024 draft class.

“He’s an above-average runner and defender, a quality on-base guy… Not a ton of power, but the speed to get a lot of doubles and triples… he’s a winner.”

One to watch in 2025

While the Yankees enter 2025 among World Series favorites (+950 at DraftKings), Brendan Jones might not dominate current fan conversations. However, his rapid development suggests that could change soon.

Quick, determined, and undaunted—Brendan Jones races toward his Bronx destiny.

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