Get ready for a thrilling baseball season, because the Pittsburgh Pirates are about to embark on a journey that could change the game! The year 2026 might just be the year of the breakout for right-handed pitcher Jared Jones.
Alex Stumpf, an MLB.com reporter, has highlighted Jones as a potential breakout star for the Pirates in the upcoming season. But here's where it gets controversial... Jones has had a rocky road to this point. Stumpf writes, "For a large part of 2024, Jones and Paul Skenes were an unstoppable force, dominating batters with their powerful pitches. However, a few inconsistent performances and an injury setback took a toll on Jones' overall stats. And then, an elbow surgery in 2025 kept him out of the game entirely."
Despite these challenges, Jones' rehabilitation is progressing well, and he's expected to rejoin the Pirates' rotation next year. The key to his success might just be his experimentation with a sinker pitch during last year's Spring Training. This could be the game-changer, allowing him to showcase his two exceptional pitches - the four-seamer and slider - in a more effective manner.
Jones underwent surgery for his UCL tear in May, and while he's expected to be out until the spring, there's a good chance we'll see him back in action with the Pirates soon. If Jones can recapture the potential he showed during his rookie season, the Pirates might have found their new reliable pitcher to stand alongside Skenes in the rotation.
And this is the part most people miss: the potential for a true breakout star. With the right strategy and a bit of luck, Jones could be the Pirates' secret weapon in 2026. So, BD community, what are your thoughts on Jones' prospects for the upcoming campaign? Share your predictions and insights in the comments below! Let's discuss and debate the future of this promising pitcher.
