Drafted in the 12th round of the 2024 MLB Draft, Brendan 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: Jones 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.”
2025 and trade
Jones split his season between High-A and Double-A ball, finishing 124 games with impressive all-around production. He posted an average around .245, drew walks at a strong clip, and showed developing power with 11 home runs. Jones’ on-base percentage was a standout .359, showing improved plate discipline against a range of young pitching.
Where Jones truly made his mark was on the basepaths. He stole more than 50 bases, becoming one of the minors’ most prolific threats in 2025. His speed turned routine singles into extra-base opportunities and created consistent pressure on opposing defenses.
Jones’ surge 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 for his future trajectory.
Jones’ 2025 slash line — with an OBP pushing nearly .360 — reflected improved pitch recognition and more consistent swing decisions. That kind of offensive profile is rare among players so early in their pro careers and suggested he could fast-track toward Triple-A and potentially MLB action in 2026.
His combination of 11 homers and 50+ steals offered a rare blend of power and speed. Few minor-league players deliver that kind of dual threat, making Jones one of the more exciting young talents in the minors before he changed organizations.
On January 13, 2026, the Yankees included him in a four-player trade package to the Miami Marlins in exchange for left-handed pitcher Ryan Weathers. Along with Jones, New York also sent outfield Dillon Lewis, first baseman Dylan Jasso and shortstop Juan Matheus in the deal.
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