Chicago White Sox: Exclusive interview with Nate Jones

I recently had the opportunity to interview Chicago White Sox reliever Nate Jones. Between staying healthy and looking forward to this season, here’s what he had to say.

Seven years ago, in 2012, the Chicago White Sox capped off a winning season, finishing with a record of 85-77, missing the postseason by just two games.

Amazingly enough, they haven’t had a winning season since then.

Perhaps even more crazy is the fact that just one player remains on the White Sox from that 2012 team. That player is Nate Jones.

Jones, 33, was a rookie in 2012, and had a stellar season out of the bullpen. In 65 appearances, Jones went 8-0 with a 2.39 ERA.

Since then, Jones has been a mainstay in the White Sox bullpen. Despite missing parts of three seasons due to numerous arm injuries, Jones has been consistently one of, if not the best reliever in the White Sox bullpen over the past several years.

Last season was no different for Jones. Although he missed about half of the season with an injury, Jones made a big impact when healthy, pitching to a 2-2 record and 3.00 ERA, and saving five games out of the closer role, a role which he held prior to the injury.

In 2019, Jones expects to return to a high-leverage role. Added with the new additions to the White Sox bullpen, Jones looks to be right in the middle of the best White Sox bullpen in years.

Last week, I was fortunate enough to get to talk with Nate on the phone. We talked about his goals for next season, his opinions on some of the moves that the White Sox have made this offseason, and his excitement for what the future holds on the South Side with the White Sox.

Big thank you to Nate for his time and willingness to do this interview!