Spencer Jones isn’t sweating the trade rumors. The Yankees’ top outfield prospect knows his name’s been floating around this winter, but he’s got a different plan: force his way onto the Opening Day roster.
“It’s about proving to them every reason why you should be there, being as competitive as possible and showing how bad you want it,” Jones told SNY at the Italian American Baseball Foundation Gala. “That’s going to be my job going into camp.”
The Breakout Season
Jones has every reason to feel confident after his most complete professional season. The swing adjustments he made early in 2024 carried through the entire year – something that had eluded him before.
The results speak for themselves: .274/.362/.571 across Double-A and Triple-A with 35 home runs, 80 RBI and 29 stolen bases in 116 games, according to Baseball-Reference.
That’s the kind of production that gets noticed. But there’s still one glaring issue.
The Strikeout Problem
Jones struck out 179 times last season. That strikeout rate hovering in the mid-30s? It’s a blemish that needs smoothing out.
He’s spent the early part of the offseason working on his mechanics and approach. The power’s there – now it’s about making sure it translates to the highest level without all the whiffs.
The Numbers Game
Here’s Jones’s challenge: the Yankees’ outfield picture looks crowded. Trent Grisham’s back after accepting his qualifying offer. Aaron Judge isn’t moving from right field. The team’s chasing Cody Bellinger.
That doesn’t leave much room for Jones or Jasson Domínguez.
But Jones isn’t waiting for a job to open up. He’s planning to create one.
Spring Training or Bust
The way Jones sees it, he needs to show up to Tampa locked in. The consistency he found in 2024. The refined swing mechanics. Those 35 homers and 29 steals that proved he’s not just a power hitter.
If the Yankees don’t move him before spring training, he’s betting he can overwhelm them with his performance. Maybe they’ll build the outfield around the kid who put up those numbers.
It’s a bold strategy. But after the season Jones just had, he’s earned the right to bet on himself.
