Jon Gray is a big name in Major League Baseball (MLB), despite being only 6 feet 4 inches and 225 pounds. He has been playing in the MLB since 20151. Gray has played for the Colorado Rockies and the Texas Rangers123. His path to the MLB is filled with hard work, talent, and a strong will to succeed.
Key Takeaways
- Jon Gray is an American professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Texas Rangers in the MLB.
- He was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in 2013 and played for them until 2021 before signing with the Rangers in 2022.
- Gray has achieved notable milestones in his career, including a World Series championship with the Rangers in 2023.
- The pitcher stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 225 pounds, and he has been active in the MLB since 2015.
- Throughout his career, Gray has demonstrated his prowess on the mound, with impressive statistics and achievements.
Early Life and Amateur Career
Jon Gray grew up in Oklahoma. He had a standout career in baseball, basketball, and football at Chandler High School. He was named Little All-City Player of the Year and made the All-State Team4.
Gray then went to Eastern Oklahoma State College to play baseball. He later moved to the University of Oklahoma. There, he became a first-team All-American and was a unanimous All-Big 12 team selection4.
Draft History Before MLB
Jon Gray faced challenges on his way to the major leagues. He was first drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2010 but chose college instead. In 2011, the New York Yankees drafted him, but he decided to stay in college5.
In 2013, Gray was drafted by the Colorado Rockies as the third overall pick. His minor league success, with a 1.93 ERA and 1.88 FIP in nine starts, impressed the Rockies5.
Despite mixed opinions on his immediate impact, Gray’s potential as a top starter is clear. His pitching skills and recent trends support this5.
Professional Baseball Beginnings
After being picked third overall by the Colorado Rockies in the 2013 MLB Draft, Jon Gray started his pro baseball career6. He first played for the Grand Junction Rockies in the Rookie-level Pioneer League. Then, he moved up to the Modesto Nuts in the High-A California League. There, he shone with a 0.75 ERA and 36 strikeouts in just 24 innings6.
Gray kept improving in the minor leagues, playing for the Tulsa Drillers in Double-A and the Albuquerque Isotopes in Triple-A. He finally got called up to the major leagues6. His fastball could hit up to 98 mph, and his sharp slider and changeup made him a top prospect in the Rockies’ system6.
“Jon Gray has the potential to be a frontline starter in the big leagues,” said a Rockies executive. “His stuff is electric, and he’s shown the ability to dominate at every level he’s played.”
The Rockies were careful with Gray’s development, limiting his innings after the 2013 draft. They closely watched his workload in the minor leagues6. This careful approach paid off, as Gray made his MLB debut on August 4, 2015, at 23 years old7.
Gray’s early career with the Colorado Rockies was just the start. He would become a key player in the team’s starting rotation67.
Jon Gray: Rise with the Colorado Rockies
Jon Gray, a right-handed pitcher, debuted with the Colorado Rockies on August 4, 20158. He faced early hurdles but grew his skills. By 2017 and 2018, he was the Rockies’ Opening Day starter9.
Notable Achievements in Colorado
Gray played for the Rockies from 2015 to 2021. He had a 53-49 record, a 4.59 ERA, and 849 strikeouts in 829 1/3 innings8. In 2017, he hit a 467-foot home run, showing his hitting skills9. He also started in the 2017 National League Wild Card Game, proving his importance9.
Career Statistics with the Rockies
Gray’s time with the Rockies showed his growth as a pitcher8. Despite Coors Field’s challenges, he became a key player10.
“I aim to be a light to my teammates and help at least one person this season.”
Jon Gray’s time with the Rockies ended, but his impact remains9. The Rockies now look to find new pitchers. They’re focusing on young talent and trades to strengthen their pitching10.
Texas Rangers Career and World Series Success
Jon Gray, a reliable starter, joined the Texas Rangers in December11. He signed a four-year, $56 million contract. Despite injuries in his first season, Gray played a key role in the 2023 World Series victory12.
In Game 3, Gray pitched three scoreless innings, helping the Rangers win12. His performance showed the Rangers’ pitching staff’s depth and versatility11. The team’s mix of veteran players and young talent was a winning strategy12.
Manager Bruce Bochy led the Rangers to their first championship in 202312. The team’s smart investments and talent development paid off. Jon Gray and the Rangers are now among the top teams in MLB12.
Source Links
- Jon Gray – Statistics and Bio – https://www.thebaseballcube.com/content/player/156398/
- Jon Gray – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jon_Gray
- Jon Gray Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | Baseball-Reference.com – https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/grayjo02.shtml
- Jonny Gray – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonny_Gray
- A First Look at Jon Gray – https://blogs.fangraphs.com/a-first-look-at-jon-gray/
- Jon Gray Stats & Scouting Report – https://www.baseballamerica.com/players/2934-jon-gray/
- Jon Gray Stats, Height, Weight, Research & History | Baseball Almanac – https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=grayjo02
- Jon Gray skipped off to Texas. What did the Rockies do wrong? – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2986610/2021/11/29/jon-gray-skipped-off-to-texas-what-did-the-rockies-do-wrong/
- Rockies pitcher Jon Gray has a higher calling in the Mile High City – Sports Spectrum – https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/baseball/2018/07/27/rockies-pitcher-jon-gray-has-a-higher-calling-in-the-mile-high-city/
- Jon Gray wants to return, but the Rockies are letting him walk into free agency. What happened? – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2928111/2021/11/01/jon-gray-wants-to-return-but-the-rockies-are-letting-him-walk-into-free-agency-what-happened/
- How The Texas Rangers Built a Champion – Metsmerized Online – https://metsmerizedonline.com/how-the-texas-rangers-built-a-champion/
- World Series 2023: The Texas Rangers spent cold, hard cash and won a championship with the right collection of people – https://sports.yahoo.com/world-series-2023-the-texas-rangers-spent-cold-hard-cash-and-won-a-championship-with-the-right-collection-of-people—-now-hes-a-part-of-rangers-history-090239489.html