'Lot of people there to support me': Jones feeling the love in return

This story was excerpted from Thomas Harding’s Rockies Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

DENVER -- Rockies outfielder Nolan Jones wore a smile and spoke in the at-ease tones of someone who sees the sun peeking through after five mostly cloudy months.

Jones, 26, went from fourth place in National League Rookie of the Year Award voting last year to two trips to the injured list with back injuries -- and a left knee injury during the first rehab assignment -- in 2024. When reinstated from the injured list and from a rehab assignment at Triple-A Albuquerque on Sunday, Jones arrived with a .202 Major League batting average in 163 at-bats this season.

“This is not what I wanted this year to look like,” Jones said. “I wanted to be out there with Brenton Doyle every single day, tracking down balls and hitting 20-30 homers like he is. And do I see myself doing that next year? I do.

“But it’s not easy when you work your butt off the whole offseason and have expectations for yourself, and come up very short. It’s something I’m dealing with mentally as as well. But I’ve had a lot of people there to support me.”

It turns out Jones needed the support he appreciates so much.

On Aug. 4, Jones and his fiancée, Morgan Gouger, welcomed their first child, a girl named Kamryn May. The Rockies brought Jones back to Denver to celebrate the joyous occasion. They actually summoned him on Saturday, but told him not to come to the park -- just spend the day with the family. There was a concerning twist that complicated his baby girl’s birth.

“She’s doing well,” Jones said. “We had some breathing complications. She’s on oxygen, but she and mom are killin’ it.”

The Rockies kept Jones close, even when he wasn’t with the team, with the likes of manager Bud Black and head athletic trainer Keith Dugger reaching out.

“I can’t say enough good things about what this organization and these people have done for me,” Jones said. “When you feel like you’re not a part of something and you’re not here, and you get texts from ‘Doogie’ and Buddy every day, checking on you, it means a lot.”

Black said helping the person was as important as helping the player.

“The thing about Nolan is in a short time in this organization, how he felt and the year last year, he just felt like, ‘This is my spot,’” Black said. “That said, it’s good to have him back. He’s had a frustrating year on a number of levels. But he has six weeks to perform, contribute and feel good about going into the offseason.”

With life trending upward, Jones’ first challenge is addressing his back trouble, which began before he joined the Rockies in a trade with the Guardians before last season. Are there answers?

“The answer is probably no, but I’m on the right track,” Jones said. “I have to find anybody who has been through this, who has played the game for a while. And I found some resources that have helped me, not only in the organization but outside. So we’re getting there.”

Jones began his latest rehab stint at Single-A Fresno, where he fielded questions from teammates who are nowhere near his experience level. At Triple-A Albuquerque, he found his swing to the tune of batting .345 (10-for-29) with two homers and nine RBIs in his past eight games.

A small forward step was Jones shortening his daily preparation routine – important, since many felt Jones’ daily extra work to end his early slump might have led to the wear that exacerbated his back issues. Being rested and staying relaxed could help Jones return to being the stellar performer who finished last season at .297 with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases.

“It’s in there,” hitting coach Hensley Meulens said. “So go play. Believe in your talents.”

Jones doesn’t need to believe the stats on the scoreboard.

“I’m not going to look back at my numbers and say, ‘I had a good year,’ or ‘I had a bad year,’” Jones said. “I’m going to learn from it -- how I can take care of my body, compete every day, take care of my mind.

“Obviously, I want to finish this year strong. I want to be part of the future of this program. It’s building every day.”