Spencer Jones is getting closer to the point where the New York Yankees are going to have to make a real decision on him.
Brian Cashman made it clear that the organization views Jones as someone who has done what he’s needed to do to put himself in a position to debut in the show, but actions speak louder than words at some point.
“He’s this untapped potential situation that’s done everything he needs to do thus far to put himself in the position to get into a Major League ballpark and say, ‘This spot is mine,’” Cashman said, per MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.
There’s still reason for caution, though.
The tools are there, mainly the power tool, but the strikeouts remain a problem. That’s been part of Jones’ issues throughout his minor league career, and it’s something that’s hard to ignore when projecting how his game will look at the big league level.
Roster construction could end up being the deciding factor, too.
If the Yankees bring Cody Bellinger back, the outfield becomes crowded again. At that point, Jones and Jasson Dominguez become pieces other teams would ask about.
How could the Yankees enter next season with Jones in Triple-A again? It doesn’t make sense.
It wouldn’t be surprising if New York ultimately moves one of them.
Jones still has upside, but he isn’t exactly a “prospect” anymore at 24. Dominguez is a weird case. It almost feels like the Yankees have soured on him a bit.
The Yankees don’t need to decide anything right now. However, if Bellinger re-signs, the questions will get louder about Dominguez and Jones.
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