Nolan Jones turned plenty of heads in the Cleveland Guardians’ Cactus League opener when he crushed a double and uncorked a three-run home run. After a 2025 season full of frustration, the very early returns made it look like Jones was ready for a bounce-back season.
But since that big game, some of Jones’ old habits, which contributed to his struggles a year ago, are starting to creep back in at the plate.
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From Stephen Vogt’s perspective, he believes Jones is stuck in the middle of pitches again.
“With Nolan, it just seems at times he’s in between again; a little bit late on the fastball,” said Cleveland’s skipper. “Like we saw with Nolan at times last year: the lack of conviction. Nolan’s aware of it, and he’s working on it, but we’re working with him closely to find that conviction and be ready to go.”
Since Cleveland’s Cactus League opener, Jones has only had one hit and owns a total batting average of .130 (3-for-23) during spring training, with a strikeout rate.
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Feb 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Nolan Jones (22) hits a 3-run home run in the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Yes, it’s early in Spring Training, and stats don’t always mean everything, but for a player fighting for a roster spot, these numbers are a telling sign, and it can be hard for a player not to understand this practice, too.
Vogt understands the situation that a player in Nolan’s position is in, but stressed that he just needs to stay the course.
“I mean, everybody wants to get hits. I don’t care if you’re facing your kid in whiffle ball in the backyard. You want to get a hit,” continued Cleveland’s manager.
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“I think for Nolan specifically and a number of our players, getting every other day reps and doing all these things, you start to put more and more pressure on yourself as the calendar days start to flip over. We can’t do that. Go out and get your work in, be ready to go. Go out there and be convicted in what you’re doing.”
Jones is out of options, and the Guardians have other left-handed outfield prospects that need opportunities. Hopefully, the 27-year-old can find that conviction and get back on the fastball soon, as Cleveland could be forced to make some tough roster decisions heading into Opening Day.
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