RICHMOND, VA: San Francisco Giants prospect Jonah Cox of the Richmond Flying Squirrels runs to third base during an Eastern League game against the Somerset Patriots at CarMax Park on April 21, 2026. (Photo by Matthew Mitrani/Minor League Baseball via Getty Images)
Minor League Baseball via Getty Images
Jonah Cox has hit his way from the ninth spot in a minor league batting order to a call up to the Major Leagues.
The San Francisco Giants summoned the 24-year-old outfielder from the Richmond Flying Squirrels before last night’s Double-A Eastern League game in Akron against the RubberDucks.
A clubhouse source said the Colorado native could make his MLB debut today in Denver against the Rockies.
Cox opened the 2026 season with the reputation as a fast, fine-fielding outfielder trying to find a way to make consistent contact at the plate. He now leads the EL with a .400 batting average and 27 stolen bases.
For most of the first six weeks, he hit ninth as a secondary leadoff guy trying to get on base and utilize his speed. A bunt single often led to a steal of second and perhaps a wild throw sending him to third.
Cox’s confidence grew and he continued to work on his swing. He began slashing line drives to the opposite field and occasionally lifting the ball for a home run. He was moved up in the order and eventually to leadoff. His batting average soared to .420.
Several scouts in the stands this week were immediately impressed with his speed as well as his willingness to take an outside pitch the other way and not try to do too much.
I wrote about Cox’s career for forbes.com earlier this month. You can read that article about his background here:
FORBES | By Chuck Murr
San Francisco Giants Prospect Jonah Cox Adds Offense To Speed, Defense
This article was originally published on Forbes.com