Spencer Jones: Yankees' Power Hitting Prospect

0:00On April 24, Yankees fans got Spencer Jones, their 6-foot 7-out filter drafted 25th overall in 2022 out of Vanderbilt. He's the number 6 prospect now, drawing Aaron Judge comparisons for his massive power and speed. Last year he smashed 35 homers across AA and Triple-A, second most in the minors, with 29 steals and a .932. OPS. This spring he lit up training with 6 homers and a 1.526 OPS, even flashing Shohei Otani vibes in his swing. Now back at Triple-A's Grandin, he's hitting .2, 3-1, over .351, over .500 through 22 games, with 5 dingers and 24 RBI's. But strikeouts haunt him. 200 last year, 35 already this season. Fans buzz about his tools, yet the teams outfield his jammed with Judge and Wright, Belinger and left, and Stanton at D.H. GM Brian Casperin called him blocked after resigning Belinger.

1:01Manager Aaron Boone says Jones needs more play discipline work, and his whiff rate leads Triple-A at 23.8%. Still, his exit velocity hits 94.6 miles per hour, top tier there. Yankees could call him up for spot duty in center or platoons, keep refining at Triple-A, or shop him at the deadline for third base or bullpen help. With the team as 16 wins, 9 losses on a 6 game streak, Jones might force their hand if he heats up. That wraps MLB news today. Brought to you with AI.