SEVEN YEARS IN THE MAKING: TALLAHASSEE’S STEPHEN JONES FINALLY REACHES THE SHOW
From Chiles High to Samford to seven grinding seasons in the minor leagues — the 28-year-old right-hander from Tallahassee is a Miami Marlin.
Quick Summary — For Fast Readers
- Stephen Jones reaches the Majors: After seven seasons and three organizations, the Tallahassee native has earned his call-up to the Miami Marlins.
- A winding road: Released by the Rockies in 2024, Jones rebuilt his career with the Padres and Marlins before earning his spot on Miami’s 40-man roster.
- Persistence pays off: Jones’s journey is a testament to resilience, culminating in his MLB debut at age 28.
Where It All Started: Chiles High to Samford
Stephen Jones’s journey began in Tallahassee, where he honed his skills at Chiles High School before heading to Samford University in Alabama.
At Samford, Jones quietly built an impressive college résumé over four seasons:
| Stat | Career at Samford |
|---|---|
| Record | 14-10 |
| ERA | 4.23 |
| Saves | 13 |
| Honors | 2nd-team All-SoCon |
After his junior year, the Philadelphia Phillies drafted Jones in the 38th round of the MLB Draft. But instead of signing, he chose to return for his senior season — a decision that paid off when the Colorado Rockies selected him in the 21st round (639th overall) of the 2019 draft.
The Long Road: Seven Seasons, Three Organizations
Jones’s path to the Major Leagues was anything but smooth. Over seven seasons, he played for three different organizations and appeared in 245 minor league games.
Here’s how his journey unfolded:
- 2019 (Boise Hawks, Rockies): Made his professional debut, posting a 4.35 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 24 games.
- 2020: Lost the season due to COVID-19.
- 2021 (Fresno/Spokane, Rockies): A bounce-back year, with a 3.86 ERA and 63 strikeouts across 45 appearances.
- 2022 (Hartford, Double-A): His best season yet, finishing with a 2.64 ERA and 67 strikeouts.
- 2023 (Hartford/Albuquerque): Struggled with a 7.86 ERA in 53 games.
- 2024 (Albuquerque, Triple-A): Hit rock bottom, posting a 13.08 ERA in 20 appearances before being released by the Rockies on August 6.
- 2025 (San Antonio/El Paso, Padres): Signed with San Diego and rebuilt his value, finishing with a 3.94 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 61.2 innings across Double-A and Triple-A.
- 2026 (Pensacola/Jacksonville, Marlins): Signed with Miami on January 27 and posted a 3.24 ERA in 10 appearances before earning his call-up.
His minor league career numbers tell the story of resilience: 21-12 record, 5.15 ERA, 300.2 innings pitched, 341 strikeouts, and 23 saves.
How the Roster Move Happened
The Marlins created a 40-man roster opening earlier this week by designating veteran right-hander Chris Paddack for assignment. That move paved the way for Jones, whose contract was officially selected from Triple-A Jacksonville on Thursday morning.
In total, the Marlins announced four roster moves:
- Stephen Jones: Contract selected (RHP)
- Heriberto Hernandez: Recalled (OF)
- Graham Pauley: Optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville
- Dax Fulton: Optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville
Jones will wear No. 93 for Miami as he joins the bullpen ahead of their May 8 matchup against the Washington Nationals.
Stephen Jones’s journey to the Major Leagues is a testament to the power of persistence. After being released by the Rockies in 2024, he could have walked away from the game. Instead, he rebuilt his career, grinding through two more seasons in the minors before earning his call-up.
Now, the 28-year-old right-hander from Tallahassee gets to live out the dream he’s worked toward for nearly a decade — as a member of the Miami Marlins.
Sources
- Samford Athletics: Former Bulldog Stephen Jones Called Up to the Major Leagues (May 7, 2026)
- Wikipedia: Stephen Jones (baseball)
