Detroit Tigers: Has JaCoby Jones’ hot streak transformed his game?

Detroit Tigers centerfielder JaCoby Jones got off to a slow start on the year, but over the past month, he has consistently been possibly the hottest bat in the Tigers’ lineup.

One month ago today, on May 24th, JaCoby Jones began a hot streak in the batter’s box that is still yet to really end. The Detroit Tigers centerfielder has seen a tremendous spike in his stats at the plate over the past month, and maybe it’s time to start thinking the Tigers now have a true big league level hitter in centerfield.

In New York City on May 24th, JaCoby Jones helped the Detroit Tigers to a 9-8 victory over the Mets with four RBI. Ever since that night in the Big Apple, Jones has been able to string together solid performances at the plate one after another, becoming a consistent, reliable hitter that can be used in either the top or bottom of Detroit’s lineup.

That game in New York was also the beginning of a twelve-game hitting streak for Jones, and his 15 RBI over the past month has brought his season total up to 22. Jones also has five home runs since May 24th, bringing his season total to nine and tying him with Brandon Dixon currently for the team lead.

Hot streaks in baseball happen pretty often and sometimes they happen with players not many would expect, like in the case of JaCoby Jones. There was a slight period over the past month where Jones cooled off slightly, including a four-game hitless streak. Otherwise, Jones may have turned himself into a true big league hitter.

Jones has kept performing at a high level for a month now and is showing little signs of slowing down. On Sunday in Cleveland, Jones went 2-4 at the plate including a solo homer, once again showing his abilities at the plate are yet to diminish.

When a hot streak lasts this long, one should stop thinking that the hitter is just getting lucky and start really thinking that the player is transforming his game. In the case of JaCoby Jones, it seems like his big bat could be here to stay for a while.