Season Review: Nolan Jones
Analyzing the most doubted player on the Guardians’ 2025 roster, Nolan Jones, whose performance raised questions about his offensive value and defensive contribution.
Performance Overview
Jones posted a slash line of .211/.296/.304 in 2025, resulting in a 72 wRC+. Among major league outfielders with over 400 plate appearances, he ranked second-worst in wRC+, behind Brenton Doyle, a strong defensive centerfielder. Angel Martinez was slightly better at 74 wRC+, and Daniel Schneemann was fifth at 79 wRC+.
Expected Performance Metrics
Interestingly, Jones's expected weighted on-base average (wOBA), which assesses the quality of his contact, was the fifth-best on the team at .308. This wOBA corresponds to roughly a 98 wRC+.
Potential Implications
If Jones had achieved a 98 wRC+, he might have been considered about an average defender in centerfield and below average in right-field, likely earning around 1 win above replacement. This raises the possibility of a successful Jones-Martinez platoon in centerfield for 2026.
Despite poor overall stats, Nolan Jones showed potential through quality contact metrics, suggesting he could improve with adjustments.
Author's summary: Nolan Jones demonstrated limited offensive production in 2025, but his high-quality contact metrics hint at untapped potential that could benefit the Guardians if properly harnessed.