Fans had high hopes that Spencer Jones might fill in as the New York Yankees’ designated hitter following Giancarlo Stanton’s recent injury. The 23-year-old, 6-foot-6 outfield prospect made a strong impression in spring training, showcasing his raw power.
He belted two home runs and recorded a .996 OPS in Grapefruit League play. However, by Tuesday night, those dreams were dashed as Jones was sent back to minor league camp with instructions to refine his hitting.
Jones’ spring performance mirrored his scouting report. He started hot, going 6-for-14 with two homers and two doubles, and expressed confidence in his swing adjustments from the offseason, saying he felt “dangerous” at the plate. His early power displays reinforced comparisons to a left-handed Aaron Judge, as his towering frame produces elite exit velocities and long drives.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged Jones’ immense potential, praising his power, speed, and defensive abilities. “With Spencer, the ceiling is enormous,” Boone said, also noting that Jones has shown flashes of strike-zone control when everything clicks. However, consistency remains an issue. The young slugger struck out 11 times in 25 at-bats this spring, raising concerns despite his focus on improving plate discipline. This struggle echoes last season, when he set a franchise record with 200 strikeouts in Double-A—the second-worst strikeout rate in the minors.
