​The Tampa Bay Rays selected Tai Jones, an outfielder from Jackson Academy, with the No. 263 overall pick in the ninth round of the 2026 MLB Draft on July 12. The pick carries a slot value of $211,200. Jones had committed to McLennan Community College on July 24, 2025, and although he later signed, he now has the option to forgo his college eligibility and join the Rays organization. According to Perfect Game, Jones is the No. 6 ranked recruit in Mississippi.
In 2026, Jones put together an outstanding season for Jackson Academy. He posted a .438 batting average, collected 57 hits, scored 49 runs, and drove in 51 RBIs. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound outfielder also set a program single-season home run record with 12 homers. His performance earned him spots on the Clarion Ledger Large Class All-State and MAIS All-State teams.
Jones’ contributions helped the Raiders achieve a 27-11 record, ranking them among the top teams in the state. However, their season ended in the MAIS 4A-Division I playoffs when they were defeated by Magnolia Heights in two games, with Magnolia Heights ultimately advancing as the tournament winner. The 2026 season featured a notable matchup between Jackson Academy and Magnolia Heights, with Magnolia Heights defeating Jackson Academy 6-5 in a game held at Jackson Academy on April 23, 2026. The photograph accompanying coverage from that day captured the intensity of the contest, with Magnolia Heights taking the win.
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among other topics, for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached by email at mchavez@gannett.com, on X (formerly Twitter) at @MikeSChavez, or on Facebook at Michael Chavez. This article originally appeared in the Mississippi Clarion Ledger and has been updated for broader reach and SEO relevance, detailing Tai Jones’ selection by the Rays and his standout 2026 season at Jackson Academy.