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

Are the towering 6-foot-6 frame and the Yankees meant to be? On one hand, the power-hitting outfielder brought comparisons to the beloved Aaron Judge. On the other, it’s intriguing to look at the possibility of the New York Yankees trading him. While some deem Spencer Jones untouchable, the uncertainty of the 2023 off-season could take any turn. Could it be true that “Spencer Jones was born to be a Yankee”?

One of the names among prospects is Jones, who had a powerful year in 2023 between High-A and Double-A. The Yanks recognized the prowess of this mountain of a man’s way before he was linked to the club. Since his draft year when he posted a .644 SLG in his junior season at Vanderbilt, the mega-franchise has been infatuated with him. But will that change this year? 

What Makes the 22-Year-Old Such a Big Deal for the New York Yankees?

Despite some strikeout woes, the 22-year-old, Yankees farmhand boasts a power that fits the expectation at Yankee Stadium. While his bat finds all corners, his pull-side strengths align perfectly with the short porch in the right field. Nonetheless, a 2023 campaign punctured by 155 strikeouts in 117 games raises concerns.

Having said that, a 9.1% walk rate offers a glimmer of hope for his plate discipline over time. Also, the Yankees’ number 1 prospect finished 2023 at a Double-A Somerset and batted .267. To add to it, he hit 16 home dingers and 66 RBI. Appreciatively, Jones led the franchise with 29 doubles. Isn’t that respectable? 

While the Big Apple still learns what kind of player Jones is, he seems to have struck a chord with the Yankees. The Aaron-Judge-lookalike might stay in the outfield and take over in right while Judge takes more at-bats at DH. It’s also to be noted that he played first base at Vandy, while leads one to think that he might succeed Rizzo in a matter of 2-3 years. It looks optimistic because the franchise has eyed his lefty swing at the Yankee stadium. But given the uncertainties of MLB, that narrative might change. 

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Where Did Spencer Jones’ Journey Start and Where Is It Headed?

Spencer belonged from Pintard’s Foresters. This was a team primarily with college players, during the summers of 2019 and 2020, coinciding with his initial two seasons at Vanderbilt University. This marked the start of Spencer Jones’ journey to becoming a highly regarded prospect within the Yankees’ farm system. While he could have been a pitcher and hitter, his elbow injury nudged him in the direction of power hitting. With that, his “pipe-dream” as he called it, to a rest.  

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Despite having a tough journey, he maintains humility and a positive demeanor. Both of which are attractive to the Yankees. That said, his height adds a layer of advantage in terms of speed and base-stealing abilities. With that, one question remains: Is it true that Spencer Jones is, after all, untouchable?