Jared Jones uses aggressive mindset to advantage

Photo Credit: Ryan Palencer

Clearly, a lot has been made of Jared Jones forcing the hand to make the Pirates starting rotation out of Spring Training.

For Indianapolis pitching coach Drew Benes, personal development, growth, and maturation have created this opportunity for Jones.

“I’m really excited for (Jones),” Benes said. “To see, over the last couple of years, what he’s gotten done and has developed. That’s on the field and with how important mentality is, to think well at the higher levels.”

Last season was a bit of a mixed bag for the 22-year-old Jones, who arrived in Indianapolis following a mid-June promotion from Altoona. After dominating Double-A, Jones’ surface numbers did not jump off the charts in Triple-A. His ERA was just south of five, and his walks per nine were just a tick under four.

However, the stuff was electric and he simply had the ability to miss bats. While the confidence and aggression never wavered on the hill for Jones, he found his footing in September. August was rocky, as Jones allowed 27 hits and 18 runs over 25 innings. There were moments of frustration, but his supreme confidence shined through.

He rebounded in September to dominate in his final four starts of the campaign, preparing for his March success this year. This mentality is what Benes believes has him in this position.

“Mentality is a huge separator the further you go up,” Benes said. “When you get into pro ball, everybody is good. Once you get to Double-A, Triple-A, the big leagues, everybody is good. Everybody is talented. They’re here for a reason and, for me, mentality is a big separator.”

When it comes to his debut on Saturday and moving forward, Benes doesn’t expect Jones to look back at all.

“I’m just super fired up to see him get that opportunity and he’s ready,” Benes said.