​The Milwaukee Brewers continued their trend of targeting up-the-middle talent in the MLB draft’s third round, selecting Florida centerfielder Kyle Jones with the 102nd overall pick on July 11. Jones, a 21-year-old redshirt sophomore standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 190 pounds, posted an impressive .317 batting average over 58 games this season, slugging six home runs and driving in 46 runs while posting an OPS of .885. He also showcased his speed by swiping 17 bases, underscoring a combination of contact ability, athleticism, and baserunning instincts that the Brewers value highly.
Jones hails from Athens, Georgia, and continued his college career after transferring to Florida from Stetson, where he had earned ASUN freshman of the year honors in 2024. His path to the draft has not been without setbacks; in 2025, he appeared in only four games after sustaining a shoulder injury while attempting a diving catch. The injury required surgery and sidelined him for the remainder of the season, a setback that he has since aimed to overcome as he progresses toward professional baseball.
Baseball America described Jones as possessing a wiry, athletic frame and a simple, repeatable setup in the batter’s box. They noted his quick hands and above-average bat-to-ball skills, suggesting that with ongoing strength development, he could develop more power to complement his contact ability. The scouting report also highlighted his elite speed, which translates both on the base paths and in center field, where his range and instincts allow him to cover substantial ground. While his speed makes him an effective basestealer, it is his ability to track and retrieve balls in the outfield that stands out, making him a versatile defensive asset in center.
The Brewers’ selection of Jones in the third round fits their strategy of finding dynamic up-the-middle players who can impact a game with speed, defense, and the potential for offensive growth. As a former Florida outfielder who brings both athleticism and proven line-drive ability, Jones could become a valuable contributor at the major-league level if he continues to develop after his 2025 injury setback and makes a successful return to full health in the coming seasons.
Notes from the draft and additional context around Jones’ background help illustrate why Milwaukee views him as a worthwhile project pick: a center fielder with a projectable frame, speed on the bases, and a swing that, with added strength, could translate into more power while maintaining contact skills. His college experience at a high-profile program like Florida, combined with his previous success at Stetson, signals a player with competitive experience and a professional ceiling that aligns with the Brewers’ developmental priorities.
This report reflects coverage from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and related domestic outlets, tracing Jones’ draft position, college career, injury history, and scouting evaluation as part of the Brewers’ ongoing strategy to diversify their prospect pool with athletic outfielders who can contribute on both sides of the ball.