D-backs GM: ‘The faster we get these guys to the big leagues the better’

Arizona Diamondbacks basic supervisor Mike Hazen is thrilled with the truth that Druw Jones, son of former Atlanta Braves All-Star Andruw Jones, fell to the D-backs with the second general decide within the 2022 MLB Draft.

Many scouts had been projecting Jones to go No. 1 general. Nevertheless, after Jackson Holliday — the son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday — was the primary decide within the draft, taking Jones at No. 2 was a no brainer for the D-backs.

Hazen joined Wolf & Luke Wednesday to debate his prized first-round decide, who reportedly agreed to an $8.18 million take care of the group.

“We’re fairly excited. He’s somebody we spent plenty of time on this previous yr. He’s an influence participant with influence instruments,” Hazen mentioned.

“Having the chance to take anyone like that’s actually one thing we really feel very lucky and we stay up for getting him out this week to start out enjoying,” Hazen added.

The 18-year-old Jones was named the 2022 Georgia Excessive Faculty State Participant of the Yr and led his group to an undefeated 35-0 report.

Hazen in contrast Jones’ path to the large leagues to 2 present D-backs prospects, Corbin Carroll and Jordan Lawlar.

D-backs president and CEO Derrick Corridor mentioned that Thursday on Bickley & Marotta.

“I feel Lawlar and Carroll are pretty analogous paths you could possibly see,” Hazen mentioned.

Lawlar has frolicked with the Excessive-A affiliate whereas Carroll has made his approach to Triple-A Reno and is already exhibiting off his talents this season.

The intriguing outfield mixture of Alek Thomas, Carroll and Jones is one thing followers might be anxiously ready for.

Thomas is the one one of many trio to make it to the large leagues up to now and has been very good in his rookie season, batting .250 and smashing seven dwelling runs.

“The quicker we get these guys to the large leagues the higher,” Hazen mentioned.

With scouting stories mentioning that Jones might play shortstop, Hazen put these rumors to mattress whereas revealing the place Jones will play on the big-league stage.

“He’s not gonna play shortstop for us. We expect he might be an elite heart fielder,” Hazen mentioned.

With Jones now a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Corridor and Hazen are excited and optimistic for the way forward for the D-backs outfield.

“When you may have (Daulton) Varsho and Thomas and Carroll and the long run in Jones, which might be all heart fielders and athletic, they will play anyplace within the outfield. The earlier we will get them up right here the higher, for my part,” Corridor mentioned.