The New York Yankees gave Spencer Jones a shot earlier this year. And now they’re giving him a second look. And here are three bold predictions for Jones after getting recalled to replace Aaron Judge on the Yankees’ roster.
Jones got the call on Friday, according to a post on X by Jack Curry.
In Jones’ first run in the majors, he didn’t hit much. However, in his first game in his second call-up, Jones swatted two singles and a double. He also drove in a run.
Yankees OF Spencer Jones won’t have a long run
It needs to be noted that Judge doesn’t think his injury timeline is as bad as some people have speculated, according to a post on X by Erik Boland.
“Aaron Judge on any kind of timeframe for his return: “I don’t like talking time tables. That stuff’s all made up, so you never know what’s going to happen.” Said in terms of what he will be able to do in the coming weeks, Judge said it will be mostly lower-body stuff.”
There’s nothing wrong with Jones as a power prospect. He ranks No. 6 in the Yankees’ organization, according to MLB.com. However, there are concerns about how often he will be able to make contact.
“One of the more polarizing prospects in baseball, Jones has at least plus-plus raw power but also huge contact issues that led to alarming strikeout (35 percent) and swing-and-miss (42 percent) rates in 2025,” MLB.com wrote. “His combination of bat speed and the strength and leverage in his huge 6-foot-7, 240-pound frame allows him to drive balls out of any part of any ballpark.
“And he launched balls more than ever last season. But he also has a naturally long left-handed swing, chases too many pitches, and also has trouble consistently putting strikes in play. His struggles against upper-level southpaws last year (.189 average, 43 percent K rate) also are worrisome.”
He’s not a great defensive prospect, possessing only average arm strength. But he does have stolen-base ability.
Spencer Jones will hit much better the second time around
After getting overmatched a bit in May, Jones should do better in his June call-up.
He said his first game back turned into a good evening, according to MLB.com.
“I was excited,” Jones said. “It’s the rivalry, a lot of fans in the stands. I felt pretty good. I’m here, so I’m just going to keep doing my thing.
“I think the first time around, it’s a lot of new information – a lot of new sights, a lot of new things. The last couple of weeks gave me some time to think about things and the way I wanted to play. Being able to internalize that and get the call back was good for me.”
Teammate Ben Rice, who has been one of MLB’s surprises this season, said Jones looked the part.
“I especially loved that first at-bat that he had,” Rice said. “He took some tough pitches, fouled some off. And eventually got one that he was able to put hard in play up the middle. I’m really excited to have him back with us.”
Yankees OF Spencer Jones will get traded
One thing the Yankees might like to see is a good run by Jones while Judge is out. But for a sneaky reason. If Jones can prove he can hit major-league pitching over the next four weeks, the Yankees might be able to make him the centerpiece of a deal that gives a veteran standout. That’s a legitimate possibility, according to MLB.com.
“There’s some question about how seriously the Yankees view Jones as part of their future,” Bryan Hoch wrote. “His power and speed combo would make him an appealing centerpiece if the Yankees seek to address needs this summer — particularly if they can trade for a starting catcher.”
Jones totaled 13 homers in 43 games at Triple-A so far this season. That’s probably enough for other teams to covet his over-the-fence stroke.
Certainly, the Yankees would like to take a run at acquiring Adley Rutschman. But he might be difficult to get. However, if the Yankees are willing to send Jones to the division-rival Orioles, they might be able to add a lesser pitching prospect.
It would be a win-win for the Yankees. They would trade a prospect they really aren’t sold on, but keep top pitching prospects like Elmer Rodrigues, Carlos Langrange, and Ben Hess.
The post 3 bold Spencer Jones predictions after getting recalled to replace Aaron Judge on Yankees’ roster appeared first on ClutchPoints.
