July is approaching quickly, which means the Major League Baseball draft is approaching, along with the trade deadline. The Yankees will prepare for both, especially the deadline, if they’re in contention. This season, the Yankees have fluctuated between first and second place in the American League East. There is still a ton of baseball to play in both the first and second halves of the season. As it looks now, it’s between the Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays in the divisional race.
Why is this important? The Yankees don’t want to settle for a Wild Card berth this season, nor a Division Series knockout in the postseason. So what has to happen? The club needs to get healthy, all pieces need to be back, and certain areas need to be improved. That being said, Brian Cashman and his office won’t hesitate to make major splashes in the trade market. Top prospects will be all fair game when it comes to getting the club to a winning situation.
There are already some names floating around the rumor mill that could be on the market. Some of these individuals are notable movable pieces, although they could also benefit the Yankees as long as they stay. Which prospects are of trade interest here?
Yankees Prospects Could Make Solid Trade Chips
Spencer Jones
At this point in the season, the club has multiple returning players from the injured list. These will bring normalcy to areas where the Yankees have been shorthanded, and will cancel out the need for supplementation. Aaron Judge will return to health, as well as Giancarlo Stanton.
Gerrit Cole is still getting back to his normal self after returning from Tommy John surgery. Max Fried is on the 45-day injured list, hoping to return in August. That being said, the Yankees could pursue a high-leverage starting pitcher, maybe a few relievers, and maybe a huge bat.
To be able to make a major addition, the Yankees will need to trade a key piece. Spencer Jones fits the description. Ranked as the No. 6 prospect of the Yankees’ Top 30, Jones would likely represent the linchpin within a blockbuster deal.
SPENCER JONES FIRST CAREER HOME RUN pic.twitter.com/6LsNXIoLc5
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) June 9, 2026
Currently, Jones is getting the big-league reps he earned while striving to mold into the lineup. The prospect has a lot of upside, high ceilings for growth, and polished tools for the trade. His market value is high, and the prospect has the ability to build and grow with a club needing that. While Jones could also be in the plans for the Yankees’ future outfield alignment, he could also be excluded. This would make him suitable as a tradeable Yankees prospect before the deadline.
Jasson Domínguez
Also in the outfield and in the MLB fight, Jasson Domínguez is looking to find his footing. After months of injury and rehab, the longtime prospect has returned to the big leagues. This is to fill in for the injured Trent Grisham and Aaron Judge.
Jasson gets a knock and immediately swipes second pic.twitter.com/nsIzSxVotP
— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) June 21, 2026
This could also be for upping his stock value for the trade deadline. Domínguez is also on ice, and his performance will be assessed to determine whether he remains in pinstripes. The outfielder shows upside on both ends of the baseball, as well as on the basepaths. Domínguez would also be a bold name to include in a blockbuster deal, or a piece that brings in two to three return pieces.
Ben Hess
The fifth-ranked Yankees prospect, Ben Hess, is expected to make it to the show in 2027. The big right-hander is the reason why the Yankees’ organizational pitching depth is ranked high. The 2024 first-rounder will provide a future option for other clubs who will also maintain some control. He’s a strikeout machine with competitive pitch options and provides depth. Hess would be a perfect option to move and get value in return.
These Yankees prospects could be very valuable to the team’s future, whether they remain with the team or are used as trade pieces to assist the club.
Main Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
