1 month agoThe New York Yankees reassigned outfield prospect
Spencer Jones to minor-league camp on Tuesday. Jones' first spring training with the Yankees ended with mixed results. On a positive note, the 6-foot-6 slugger finished 6-for-20 (.300) with two home runs, six RBI, and a stolen base over nine games, but on the downside, the left-handed hitter struck out in almost half of his plate appearances (45.5 percent). If it wasn't already a problem, then there wouldn't be much concern, but the former first-rounder struck out 36.8 percent of the time at Double-A last season. If he can continue to hit home runs and drive runs in, then it may not matter, but this season should be a good litmus test to see whether he's ready for the big time or not. Dynasty managers can't ignore the power, but if he struggles when he sees Triple-A pitching for the first time, then there may not be a reason to believe he'll be in the majors at any point in 2025.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
1 month agoNew York Yankees outfield prospect
Spencer Jones had a big day at the plate on Tuesday, going 3-for-3 in the 4-2 Grapefruit League victory over the Phillies. The 6-foot-6 slugger clubbed his second homer of the spring and also doubled on his way to a four-RBI day. The former first-round draft pick is now 6-for-14 (.429) in spring action, although he's not expected to be on the Opening Day roster with the Yankees currently set in the outfield with
Aaron Judge,
Cody Bellinger, and
Jasson Dominguez, along with veteran
Trent Grisham coming off the bench. The left-handed hitter displays some big-time power, blasting 17 home runs in 482 Double-A at-bats last season, but it comes with big-time swing-and-miss, as he owned a 36.8 percent strikeout rate in 2024 and has yet to see Triple-A pitching. Nevertheless, if he can make strides in that regard in 2025, we should expect to see him debut in the Bronx at some point this season. Power-needy managers will want to pounce whenever he gets the call, but know that the potential home runs may come at the cost of batting average.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
2 months agoNew York Yankees outfield prospect
Spencer Jones went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run during their loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday afternoon. Jones hit the home run off Toronto right-hander
Eric Pardinho. Jones is considered one of the top hitting prospects in the Yankee system. Last summer, the Vanderbilt product held a .259/.336/.452 line with 30 doubles and 17 home runs. He swiped 25 bags but held a poor 54:200 BB:K ratio. During the 2023 campaign, the 23-year-old spent most of his season with High-A Hudson Valley and posted a .261/.333/.406 line. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Jones' development as he could open the season with Triple-A. If he continues to flash this upside power, he may push for an MLB debut later this season.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
2 months agoThe New York Yankees announced on Wednesday that outfield prospect
Spencer Jones will be a non-roster invite to major-league spring training. In addition to Jones, shortstop George Lombard, shortstop
Roderick Arias, catcher
Rafael Flores and pitcher
Chase Hampton will be at MLB camp. The 23-year-old Jones is a towering left-handed slugger -- he stands at 6-foot-6, 235 pounds -- with loads of power potential and some surprising speed for his size. However, the former 25th overall pick in the 2022 MLB draft needs to make more contact in order to succeed at the next level. He hit .259/.336/.452 with 17 home runs, 78 RBI and 25 stolen bases in 122 games at Double-A Somerset last year, but his 36.8% strikeout rate was the worst mark for all qualified Double-A hitters. Jones probably won't ever hit for average in the big leagues, but he's an intriguing dynasty stash for his power/speed upside.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New York Yankees
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