New York Yankees outfielder Spencer Jones has received a significant update heading into the 2026 MLB season.
The New York Yankees are currently in flux when it comes to determining who will play left field for the club in 2026.
Cody Bellinger is still out on the free-agent market with no end to the standoff in sight, and while Jasson Dominguez received extensive playing time last season, the Yankees don't seem to be entirely confident that he can handle left field on a full-time basis.
New York could always add a veteran this winter, and it has already been connected to Austin Hays, a part-time player who mashes lefties and could serve as a fine platoon partner with Dominguez. Or, the Yanks could go in an entirely different direction.
Spencer Jones has yet to hit the big leagues, but the top prospect appears to be inching closer and closer to his major-league debut, and that could come as soon as opening day.
Bryan Hoch of MLB.com feels that Jones could ultimately make the Yankees' roster to start the season, which means the 24-year-old could land significant playing time right off the bat.
"With light-tower power and improved consistency, Jones is knocking on the big league door with a legitimate chance to force his way onto the Opening Day roster," Hoch wrote. "... Though swing-and-miss will probably always be part of his profile, the Yankees believe Jones’ athleticism and muscle have positioned him to compete in a crowded outfield picture."
Jones slashed .274/.362/.571 with 35 home runs and 80 RBI over 506 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A in 2025 and was so red hot at one point that some felt he could be called up in September.
However, a brutal August in which Jones batted just .180 with a .556 OPS ultimately sabotaged any chance the 6-foot-7, 240-pound behemoth had of getting a taste of the big leagues this past year.
That being said, Jones turns 25 years old in May, so the clock is ticking on the former first-round pick. The Yankees will have to make a decision on Jones sooner rather than later in terms of whether or not they want to keep him or trade him.
Of course, Jones' future will surely be determined by what New York decides to do with Bellinger, who is apparently seeking a massive contract that no team has been willing to match thus far.
Bellinger is a Scott Boras client who was floating on the open market until February back in 2024, so it stands to reason that the 30-year-old could be available for quite some time again.
If the former NL MVP ultimately bolts elsewhere, Jones stands to receive a golden opportunity to carve out a major role for the Yankees next spring.
Category: General Sports
