Yankees could make blockbuster trade of 35-HR young star originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees may lose a few talented players to free agency this offseason.
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Even with that, they might have too many good bats relative to lineup spots.
That’s the kind of situation that leads to a trade.
In the outfield, it’s particularly tricky for New York. The Yankees couldn’t find time in 2025 to give Spencer Jones his MLB debut despite his big numbers in the minor leagues.
The 6-foot-7, left-handed slugger is likely due for his shot in 2026. But will there be space?
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MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand speculates in a new article that the Yanks could go the other direction and trade Jones.
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“Trent Grisham’s return to the Bronx solidifies two of New York’s three outfield spots, while the Yankees are still hopeful to bring (Cody) Bellinger back on a new deal,” Feinsand writes. “That leaves Jones — the Yankees’ No. 4 prospect — and Jasson Domínguez as players without a spot to get regular playing time. Jones belted 35 home runs with a .933 OPS at Double-A and Triple-A last season, giving the Yankees a prime trade chip if they choose to use it.”
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Jones is a curious trade case, too.
With his power numbers, you’d think he’d be higher ranked than the Yankees’ No. 4 prospect. But his swing-and-miss is still a question mark.
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Jones has the size resemblance to Aaron Judge, but he strikes out more at every rung of the minor leagues than Judge did on his rise to the majors. There is inherent risk to Jones.
His raw power isn’t in question, and it could fetch the Yankees pitching value in the right trade. But it’s not clear whether another team would meet New York’s asking price.
