The New York Yankees like to prospect hug, and over the past few years, it hasn’t exactly worked out. With Jasson Dominguez being the latest example, the Yankees could be making the same mistake with outfielder Spencer Jones. Jones, who has torn up Triple-A ever since being called up, isn’t exactly a guarantee to be a star in MLB one day.
While his power numbers and defensive abilities are certainly above average, Jones has major strikeout problems, as evidenced by his 200 strikeouts during the 2024 campaign. In 2025, the strikeouts have again been an issue, striking out 130 times between Double-A and Triple-A in 407 plate appearances.
When examining the situation last month, Chris Kirschner of The Athletic had some intriguing thoughts. He added that the Yankees are currently facing a dilemma, noting that he could even be a trade candidate.
“So, there’s the dilemma that the Yankees face. Do they believe Jones’ power potential is so tantalizing that they need to see it in the majors, or do they trade him when his value may never be higher?”
Jones understood at the trade deadline that he could’ve been dealt, but according to the man himself, he wants to play in New York.
“I was just talking to my girlfriend about this, but at the end of the day, I want to play in New York and be a part of this organization and stay loyal to it,” said Jones, the Yankees’ 2022 first-round draft pick. “That’s a big part of who I am and where I want to go in my career.”
Yankees Face an Issue With Calling Up Spencer Jones
Dominguez could face a roster squeeze if the Yankees call up Spencer Jones over the next year.
The Yankees already have a logjam in the outfield, and while there could be some changes to that over the next few months with Trent Grisham and others hitting free agency, it’s still a situation the Yankees have to figure out.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Dominguez could be a trade candidate this winter because of players like Jones.
“He’s been untouchable, but Spencer Jones should be ready and Domínguez has disappointed defensively,” he wrote.
New York Have Faith in Spencer Jones
Heyman also reported during the trade deadline that the New York Yankees wouldn’t move on from Jones unless they were able to get Paul Skenes in return.
The Yankees have absolutely no chance of getting Skenes anytime in the near future unless something drastic changes.
“Teams with good/great pieces consistently ask the Yankees about top OF prospect Spencer Jones,” he reported. The Yankees are consistent on this too: They will only trade Jones (and others in package) for Paul Skenes, who’s not available and not going anywhere.
Regardless, this shows how highly the Yankees think of Jones.
If that’s genuinely how they feel, and with Dominguez failing to swing the bat at the expected level—hitting .256 with nine home runs in 352 at-bats and 100 strikeouts—could the team deal him?
Heyman seems to think so, but giving up on him this early would be a bit questionable after not trading him for stars in previous years.
Yankees Could Cut Ties With Jasson Dominguez for Spencer Jones Reason