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Yankees get concerning update on Spencer Jones.
The New York Yankees were handed some concerning news on outfield prospect Spencer Jones.
Jones was once the Yankees’ top prospect and someone many fans thought would be the future of the outfield. However, he has yet to reach the MLB and has even fallen out of the Yankees’ Top 100 prospect rankings.
The Yankees have already optioned Jones to Triple-A, and ESPN MLB insider Jorge Castillo revealed the outfielder’s trade value is rapidly plummeting.
“Jones is next on the organizational depth chart behind Dominguez,” Castillo wrote. “He turns 25 in May, has yet to make his major league debut, and is a virtual lock to begin the season in Triple-A. While he’s a true center fielder with some of the biggest pop in the minors — he slugged 35 home runs last season — Jones hasn’t debuted because he whiffs too much.
“He compiled 179 strikeouts last season after 200 in 2024. His 35.4% strikeout rate last season would’ve ranked highest in the majors. The glaring shortcoming, combined with his age, resulted in him falling off recent top 100 prospect lists and his trade value sinking. But he should receive the call in 2026 — whether with the Yankees or another club — if he remains healthy.”
With Jones’ path to the majors blocked, he will remain in Triple-A and continue to develop. Yet, it appears that the Yankees held onto him too long as New York won’t be able to get as many assets back in return for him as they once thought.
Jones is now the Yankees’ sixth-ranked prospect entering 2026.
Aaron Boone Sends Message to Jones
New York decided to option Jones to Triple-A, as the team has a surplus of outfielders.
After being optioned to Triple-A, Yankees manager Aaron Boone sent a message to the former top prospect.
“Don’t focus on things that right now might be out of your control a little bit,” Boone said as his message to Jones.
Boone said he was impressed with Jones, but the numbers game led to him being optioned.
“Reality is, he’s coming off a really strong season,” Boone added. “He continues to make really solid adjustments. He came in here this spring and has represented really well and has performed. You’ve seen the signs of him continuing to get better.”
Jones hit 333 with 4 home runs, 8 RBIs, and a 1.392 OPS in 10 games this spring.
Yankees GM Believes Jones is Blocked
Not only does New York have their three starting outfielders, but the team also has Jasson Dominguez ahead of Jones in the pecking order.
So, Jones’ path to the majors remains blocked, and general manager Brian Cashman admitted that.
“Obviously, (he’s) someone who really conquered a lot of things last year and pushed himself on the map, probably would be taking an everyday spot, trying to establish himself at the big league level maybe in some other organizations,” Cashman said. “He’s currently blocked with us.”
The Yankees selected Jones 25th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft. However, a big reason why he hasn’t reached the majors is due to his whiff rate. He also strikes out too much. That was also a reason for him falling out of the Top 100 prospects.
Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB and Cleveland Browns for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines at BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton
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