The New York Yankees are indeed “poised” to trade a top prospect, with outfielder Spencer Jones emerging as the most likely and valuable piece to be leveraged in a “bold move” to strengthen the 2026 roster.
The trade rumors are being fueled by the severe outfield logjam created by the return of Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham, and the Yankees’ ongoing pursuit of a superstar free agent like Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker.1
The Prospect at Risk: Spencer Jones
Jones, the Yankees’ No. 2 prospect, is a towering, left-handed power hitter often compared to a left-handed version of Aaron Judge.2 He is seen as a prime “sell-high” candidate by the front office.3
| Aspect | Spencer Jones (2025 Minor League Stats) | Impact on Trade |
| Performance | .274 AVG, .933 OPS, 35 HR, 29 SB (between Double-A/Triple-A) | Provides maximum trade value to an acquiring team. |
| Biggest Flaw | High Strikeout Rate (35.4%) | A concern for the Yankees, making trading him an appealing way to avoid rolling the dice at the MLB level. |
| Roster Problem | Currently blocked in the outfield due to veteran commitments. | Trading him for help at another position (pitching or infield) is the most logical path. |
The Roster Crunch Driving the Trade
The Yankees’ desire to maximize their championship window immediately means they must convert their prospect wealth into proven MLB talent, especially with injuries to their starting pitching.4
1. The Outfield Logjam
If the Yankees sign a major free agent, the outfield picture becomes unsustainable for their top prospects:
- Free Agent Addition: Landing Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker would fill the primary starting gap.
- Locks: Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham are expected to fill the other two starting spots.
- Odd Men Out: This leaves both Spencer Jones and Jasson Domínguez—once untouchable—without a clear path to everyday playing time in the Bronx.
2. Positions of Need
The Yankees’ needs align perfectly with the value Jones offers, making him the centerpiece of potential deals:
- Starting Pitching: With Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón projected to miss the start of the season, the Yankees desperately need a controllable, front-line starter.5 Targets include the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal or the Brewers’ Freddy Peralta.
- Infield/Bullpen: Jones could also be the centerpiece for a deal to acquire a cost-controlled infielder like the Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan or an elite reliever like the Rays’ Pete Fairbanks.
The consensus among MLB insiders is that the Yankees will hold onto Jones until spring training to allow him one final chance to compete, but if he is unable to unseat a veteran, he will likely be used as the headliner of a blockbuster trade to bring in an established, controllable star.
