Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the New York Yankees seem prepared to discuss trading top prospect Spencer Jones. Nightengale notes that the Yankees are interested in obtaining pitchers Garrett Crochet and Tarik Skubal in any trade involving Jones.
The Yankees were reportedly hesitant to include Spencer Jones in past trade talks for significant players such as Corbin Burnes and Dylan Cease. However, the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers are said to demand substantial packages for Crochet and Skubal, respectively.
Recent difficulties have exposed weaknesses in the Yankees’ roster, particularly in their pitching staff. It appears the team is now prepared to sacrifice some of their farm system assets to make 2024 a successful season in the Bronx.
Yankees Reportedly Willing to Trade Spencer Jones
Spencer Jones, currently ranked as New York’s second-best prospect by MLB Pipeline, is now reportedly on the trade block. MLB Pipeline also lists him as the 74th-best prospect in all of baseball. The 6’6” outfielder, who was drafted 25th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft, has carried a lot of pedigree.
The Yankees have been hesitant to trade Jones due to his star potential and the value of his expected production on a low salary, which would complement the expensive contracts of outfielders Aaron Judge and possibly Juan Soto through the end of the decade.
While Spencer Jones carried his college success into professional baseball right after being drafted, he has faced challenges at higher levels. This season, the 23-year-old is slashing .238/.316/.403 with 10 homers and 127 strikeouts in 75 Double-A games. This follows a disappointing stint in 17 Double-A games last year.
Despite these struggles, Jones still has high potential and strong trade value. His pedigree and past achievements earned him a spot on the American League roster for last week’s 2024 All-Star Futures Game, where he started in right field and batted fifth, recording a walk and a stolen base in two plate appearances.
Yankees Desperation Could Lead to Major Deal
Expectations are sky-high in the Bronx this season, with anything less than a deep postseason run deemed unacceptable. Many see the season as a World Series or bust.
Although the Yankees are reluctant to trade a potential future star like Jones, they recognize the urgent need to break out of their slump. Acquiring impactful talent will be painful, but the Yankees must make significant moves, possibly multiple ones, at the trade deadline this year.
