The New York Yankees have their work cut out for them in the AL East, as the Tampa Bay Rays are one of the hottest teams in baseball. The Rays are doing everything possible to exploit the Yankees’ rough stretch. Sure, they’ve won three of their last four, but that came after a six-game losing streak. With the trade deadline in sight, Yankees fans have agreed that one prospect is expendable.
Spencer Jones’ .994 OPS Isn’t Enough for Yankees Fans To Want To Keep Him
The 24-year-old has hit .272 in Double A this season, with an OPS nearing 1.000. No matter what his numbers might say, Yankees fans believe that the team has no spot for him. No matter how talented Jones may be, nothing can be done if there’s no open spot on the roster.
A change of scenery could benefit Jones as he’s been stuck in AA since 2023. His numbers are quite good, but not good enough for him to make an impact anywhere else. If there was one key prospect for the Yankees to deal in the coming weeks, Jones seems to be that guy.
Spencer Jones sneaky has a slash line of .272/.395/.599 good for a .994 OPS in Double A this year. Lotta strikeouts still but he’s absolutely hitting the ball.
No spot for him on this year’s team, but next spring he’s gonna have a real shot to make the OD roster if he’s not…
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) June 23, 2025
“He’s the perfect trade candidate IMO,” this fan said, as someone else chimed in, “I think he’s the top name in a deal for Suarez.”
This individual added, “He feels like a great trade piece to me. His elite glove and baserunning raises his floor a bit, and his power makes u dream about all star games. But if his contact rate can’t be a 40/80, he won’t be an MLB hitter. His odds of making it scare me.”
After that detailed quote, it’s the strikeouts that have consistently been brought up in regard to Jones’ skills. He’s struck out 287 times in his 713 AA at-bats, which is good for roughly 40%. With his slugging up from .452 to .599, the Yankees might want to capitalize and sell high while they have the chance.
Someone mentioned, “I don’t think he’s still in the org by next ST,” as this fan added, “Feels like this is the moment to trade him. Sell high.”
The outfielder has primarily played in center, with left field being his next-best option. It’s no surprise that Jones has been the designated hitter in 11 games this season, as he was in 24 last year as well. It doesn’t seem likely that Jones would be promoted just to be the team’s DH, but it’s not like there’s much room for him in this Yankees outfield, either.