According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the New York Yankees appear ready to include top prospect Spencer Jones in trade talks. Nightengale specifically mentions pitchers Garrett Crochet and Tarik Skubal as pieces the Yankees would want to acquire in a trade involving Jones.
MLB trade deadline filled with uncertainty as one of second half storylines https://t.co/ZWoFJ9T0g3
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 21, 2024
The Yankees reportedly were reluctant to involve Jones in previous trade discussions for impactful players like Corbin Burnes and Dylan Cease. However, the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers reportedly require huge packages in deals involving Crochet or Skubal, respectively.
Recent struggles have highlighted flaws in the Yankees roster, especially on the pitching staff. It seems that the Bombers are finally ready to deplete the farm system to ensure 2024 is a winning season in the Bronx.
Yankees Reportedly Winning To Trade Spencer Jones
Jones currently ranks as New York’s second-best prospect per MLB Pipeline. The outlet also ranks him as the 74th-best prospect in all of MLB. The 6’6” outfielder carried a lot of pedigree after being drafted 25th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft.Aar
The Yankees have reportedly been reluctant to trade Jones due to his star potential. Plus, his expected production on cheap salaries would pair well with expensive outfielders Aaron Judge and possibly Juan Soto through the end of this decade.
Spencer Jones has hit a home run in three of the last four games! pic.twitter.com/NERmEUXyUb
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) June 9, 2024
While he carried his college success into professional baseball right after the draft, Jones has struggled at the 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 poor performance in 17 Double-A games last year.
Despite the struggles, Jones still possesses high potential and solid trade value. His pedigree and past success helped him earn a spot on the American League roster for last week’s 2024 All-Star Futures Game. Jones even started the game in right field and batted fifth in the lineup. He recorded a walk and a stolen base in two plate appearances in the game.
Yankees Desperation Could Lead To Major Deal
Expectations are incredibly high in the Bronx this season. Anything less than a deep postseason run would be seen as unacceptable. In fact, many view the season as World Series or bust.
While the Yankees don’t want to trade a potential future star in Jones, the organization knows it desperately needs to get out of its slump. Trading for impactful talent will hurt, but the Yankees must make a significant move, or more than one, at the trade deadline this year.
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