MLB Trade Rumors: New York Yankees potential starter sent message to MLB
Key players have put up some strong performances as the New York Yankees begin spring training. One of those prospects is Spencer Jones, a 2022 first-round selection who hit a home run against the Blue Jays on Saturday. The Yankees prospect discussed his feelings going into the season with Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
He said, "I feel dangerous," to Hoch. "The most important lesson I learned was that when I hit the ball, good things happen," Jones stated. "And better things happen when I hit the ball in the air."
After a respectable minor league season in 2024, Jones has a whole new swing this year.
Fans should continue to watch Jones this spring, but who else could step up? Jones hit.259 with 30 doubles and 17 home runs in 124 AA games, but he struck out 200 times, the most by a Yankees minor leaguer ever. This is partly why Jasson Dominguez has the inside track to be the left fielder this season, but a strong season could have him in the Bronx soon. Jones is most easily compared to Aaron Judge, who is a 6'6" outfielder with power, but he has a chance to fill a different lane with the Yankees.
As 2024 came to a close, Jones and Dominguez were the Yankees' best prospects. Following the loss of Juan Soto, they both need power-hitting outfielders. This spring, as the organization seeks to surround Aaron Judge with talent, every at-bat will be closely observed.
Will Warren, the Yankees' top pitching prospect, is another player to keep an eye on for a strong start. He struck out Masyn Winn and Nolan Arenado in his three flawless innings pitched against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. Warren might be a key spot starter for the Yankees this season given the circulating rumors about a Marcus Stroman trade.
After Gleyber Torres left for the Detroit Tigers this offseason, the Yankees moved Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base, leaving Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and DJ LeMahieu as the only unclaimed third base spots in the infield. All three of those players will be evaluated this spring, and if Spencer Jones emerges as a minor-league star this season, the Yankees could still be a formidable team come October even without Juan Soto.
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