Detroit Tigers: JaCoby Jones’ time in the Motor City comes to an end
By Tyler Kotila
The Detroit Tigers have moved on from one of the veteran outfielder JaCoby Jones who was designated for assignment. After some early-season struggles, he was optioned to the minors and relegated to the Toledo Mud Hens but now the team has opted to move on entirely.
The Detroit Tigers organization has seemingly opted to move on from the young centerfielder who has not quite performed up to the standards that fans were likely hoping for. Jones has played his last game in a Tigers uniform and will likely be heading for open water and looking for a new team.
While he may be struggling, there have been times in his career that Jones has looked like he could be a minimal asset to a team. In this DFA move, Jones has to clear waivers. Teams will get the first crack at him at this point.
If Jones clears waivers then, he will be outrighted to Triple-A Toledo, and in this case, he has the right to refuse demotion and elect to become a free agent. Given his inconsistency and struggles, playing in Toledo might be best, but my guess is Jones will be looking to find a new home.
Detroit Tigers outfielder JaCoby Jones has played his last game for the organization.
More from Detroit Jock City
- Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
- Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
- Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
- This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
- 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings
There is always the chance that Jones takes his outright demotion and looks to play his way back to Detroit, but I do not see this happening.
The six-year veteran of the Tigers since being acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates is going to want to play in the big leagues as soon as possible.
In Detroit, it seems like the youth movement is nearing, and A.J. Hinch is advocating for younger players to get their shot.
A guy like Daz Cameron is starting to look for appealing at the big league level than Jones was, which might be even more motivation for the DFA of Jones.
In 2021, Jones logged 36 games where he slashed .170/.210/.250, which is a far cry from his .268/.333/.515 in 30 games over the course of the 2020 season.
Jones was hot last year and never carried it over, it seemed like he had figured something out at the plate, but the inconsistency has struck once again. The Tigers outfield will be different without Jones, but the team is beginning the slow change into the crucial part of the team’s rebuild.
No longer seeing Jones patrol the outfield will suck. His defensive abilities were on the plus-side of things. He was able to make some spectacular grabs, but the Tigers are no longer in a position where keeping someone like Jones around is beneficial for them.
Must Read. Detroit Lions: Who to target in your fantasy football leagues. light
Best of luck to JaCoby Jones in his future endeavors, whether that is with the Mud Hens or another franchise which seems to be the likely option.