Jared Jones was supposed to be the Pirates’ next big weapon. At just 23, the right-hander burst onto the scene in 2024 with a fastball that touched triple digits. But now, with the team struggling to find consistency, Jones is officially headed for elbow surgery—a decision that could sideline him for the remainder of 2025 and possibly part of 2026. “Late last week when he started throwing 100 feet, the arm didn’t feel good… that’s when we made the decision,” manager Derek Shelton told KDKA’s Cassidy Wood.
Jones had been ramping up in hopes of returning after the All-Star break. The initial diagnosis in March was a strained elbow ligament, which seemed stable enough for a six-week shutdown. But the latest setback during his throwing program changed everything. He now joins a long list of young pitchers whose careers get interrupted before they truly begin. Just months ago, fans watched him dot corners at 99 mph, striking out hitters with ease. As the broadcast captured one of his final outings: “Boy, that’s a perfect pitch right there… strike three.” And just like that, the promise fades—at least for now.
The Pirates and Jared Jones have made the decision to undergo elbow surgery today.
“Late last week when he started throwing 100 feet, the arm didn’t feel good…that’s when we made the decision…” @KDKA pic.twitter.com/gF1fWZojHb
— Cassidy Wood (@CassidyWoodTV) May 21, 2025
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