What the Yankees’ Reluctance to Trade Spencer Jones Reveals About Juan Soto’s Future in Pinstripes

New York Yankees top prospect Spencer Jones has been generating a lot of buzz lately. At 22 years old, the 6’6″ lefty outfielder is built like Aaron Judge and has drawn comparisons to the Yankees captain. Jones is ranked 73rd among all MLB prospects and is the number one prospect in the Yankees’ system. Brian Cashman seems hesitant to include Jones in any trades, even for White Sox pitcher Dylan Cease. After giving up a chunk of their best prospects in the Juan Soto trade, you can’t blame them for wanting to hang onto Jones. But it’s also a tad bit scary for all Soto fans, who want to see him decked in Pinstripes for a long time.

The Yankees outfield is already decked with Dominguez, Judge, and Soto. This outfield doesn’t require Spencer Jones – and the DH spot is already occupied by Stanton. Really, what’s the game plan here? If Jones is a potential plan in the outfield, does that reduce Soto to just a fleeting, one-season showpiece? That’s unsettling. We’re all gunning for 2024 to be the year we dominate, and sure, I’m hell-bent on seeing Soto don those pinstripes for many seasons to come. But if securing Soto’s future means we have to let go of Jones, then let’s bite the bullet.

Spencer Jones in 2023

Spencer Jones, a first-round pick of the New York Yankees in the 2022 Major League Baseball draft, is rapidly making a name for himself in professional baseball. Debuting in the Rookie-level Florida Complex League and quickly moving up to the Single-A Florida State League, Jones showcased his talent early on, batting .344 with four home runs, 12 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases over 25 games. His 2023 season further cemented his reputation, playing 117 games across High-A and Double-A teams, and finishing with a 113 wRC+, 16 home runs, and 43 stolen bases.

Jones, at 6-foot-6, naturally draws comparisons to Aaron Judge, another towering figure in the Yankees’ roster. While their playing styles differ, Jones mirrors Judge’s early career, focusing on refining his swing to unlock greater power, much like Judge did before his breakout 2017 season. However, Jones stands out with his exceptional speed, a skill he leverages both offensively and defensively.

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Beyond his batting, the Yankees are grooming Jones for a long-term role in center field, envisioning him as a potential Gold Glove defender. He is spending time this offseason studying the film of Kevin Kiermaier, who’s known for his defensive skills.

Juan Soto’s MLB Career so far

Juan Soto’s rise in the big leagues is nothing but epic. Kicking off with the Washington Nationals, then with the San Diego Padres, and now with the New York Yankees, he’s been crushing it since his 2018 debut. He nearly snagged Rookie of the Year and made history as the youngest player to swipe three bases in a game in his first year. 2019 was even better. Soto was a game-changer in the Nationals’ World Series win with that clutch homer in Game 1 against the Astros. Soto’s hitting skills and eye for the ball? Among the best, MLB has seen.

Cut to 2020, a weird year thanks to the pandemic, but Soto didn’t miss a beat. Topped the National League charts in batting average, on-base, and slugging. A triple threat. In 2021, Soto, living up to his reputation, led in walks, killed it in on-base percentage, and almost grabbed the MVP. Fast forward to 2023, and the guy’s still on fire. Batting at 0.275, smacking 35 homers, and racking up 109 RBIs. Juan Soto, in merely six years, has turned his career into a highlight reel. He’s been a fixture in 3 All-Star games, landed on 2 All-MLB First Teams, snagged the Babe Ruth award, and has a collection of four Silver Sluggers to his name. Now, he’s the Bronx’s crown jewel.

Juan Soto or Spencer Jones?

JUAN SOTO, hands down! This shouldn’t even be a debate. Look, Spencer Jones might be a bright prospect, but comparing him to Soto? If offloading Jones means we lock Soto in for the long term without any backdoors for the Yankees, then let’s get moving! Using Soto as a one-year wonder just because we’re high on our farm system is ludicrous. It’s been 14 long, ringless years. I’m not here to watch prospects grow; I want a championship. Let’s grab that ring and not cry over losing a prospect. Enough is enough!

Read More: Spencer Jones: Will the Yankees Touch the 22-Year-Old Prospect for Any Trade?

But, let’s not dismiss the dream scenario – having both Jones and Soto. If there’s a way to make that happen, I’m all for it. The best of both worlds – a rising star and a proven champion. However, if it’s one or the other, the choice is crystal clear. We need to play for keeps, not just for hopes. Enough playing it safe; it’s time to go all in for that championship glory!