Spencer Jones knows his name has shown up in trade rumors this winter. But instead of worrying about where he might end up, he’s focused on earning a roster spot in New York as soon as this spring.
“It’s about proving to them every reason why you should be there, being as competitive as possible and showing how bad you want it,” Jones told SNY at the Italian American Baseball Foundation Gala. “That’s going to be my job going into camp.”
Jones said the key to his 2025 jump was carrying performance month to month. Swing adjustments made early in the year led to his most complete season as a pro. He had a.274 average,.362 on-base percentage and.571 slugging percentage across Double-A and Triple-A, along with 35 home runs, 80 RBI and 29 stolen bases in 116 games, according to Baseball-Reference.
There is still a blemish to smooth out — the swing-and-miss.
Jones struck out 179 times, a strikeout rate that hovered in the mid-30s. He has spent the early part of the offseason trying to tighten his mechanics and improve his approach to make sure the power plays at the highest level.
With Trent Grisham back, Aaron Judge entrenched in right field and the Yankees chasing Cody Bellinger, that does not leave a path for Jasson Domínguez or Jones. To break through, Jones can’t wait for a job to open. He needs to force the conversation.
That means showing up to spring training locked in: the improved consistency he proved in 2025, the refined swing, the 35 homers and 29 steals. If the Yankees don’t trade him, he needs to overwhelm them in spring training. Maybe they build the outfield around the kid who made those numbers roar.
