The Astros have signed infielder/outfielder Greg Jones to a minor league deal. According to MLB.com’s transaction tracker, he’s currently assigned to the Florida Complex League team but is expected to report to Triple-A Sugar Land soon.
Jones, 27, was recently released by the White Sox to clear a 40-man roster spot for Yoendrys Gomez, who has since been designated for assignment. At the time, Jones was on the minor league injured list with an undisclosed injury. Since injured players can’t be placed on outright waivers, the White Sox had no choice but to release him to open the roster spot.
Now healthy status unclear, Jones’ signing gives the Astros a speedy player. Over 375 minor league games, he has stolen 167 bases in 192 attempts, boasting an 87% success rate. Defensively, Jones offers versatility, having played both middle infield positions as well as all three outfield spots.
Offensively, Jones has been somewhat underwhelming. Since the start of 2023, he has amassed 769 plate appearances mostly at Triple-A, hitting 28 home runs but striking out in 37.3% of those at-bats. This has resulted in a .247/.326/.428 slash line and an 84 wRC+ during that period. At the major league level, he’s had just eight plate appearances, posting a .143/.250/.571 line.
For the Astros, signing Jones to a minor league deal carries little risk. A former first-round pick (22nd overall by the Rays in 2019), he offers value as a potential bench player who can contribute as a pinch runner and defensive substitute. Any improvement offensively would be an added bonus.
