Yankees send spring star Jones to Triple-A

Outfielder Spencer Jones optioned despite strong spring training performance

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The New York Yankees have optioned outfielder Spencer Jones, their No. 6 prospect, to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after a strong spring training performance. Jones had six hits in 18 at-bats with three home runs and seven RBIs, but the Yankees' crowded outfield left no room for him on the major league roster to start the season.

Why it matters

The Yankees have a deep and talented outfield, with Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger locked in as starters. While Jones impressed in spring training, the organization feels it's best for his development to start the season in the minors, where he can continue to work on his game and await his opportunity to contribute at the major league level.

The details

Jones, the Yankees' No. 6 prospect, had a standout spring, hitting .333 with one double, three home runs, and seven RBIs. He also stole three bases. However, the Yankees' offseason moves to re-sign Grisham and Bellinger left no clear path for Jones to break into the starting outfield. The team has opted to send him to Triple-A to continue his development, with the understanding that opportunities may come later in the season.

  • On Monday, March 9, 2026, the Yankees optioned Jones to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and re-assigned him to minor league camp.

The players

Spencer Jones

The Yankees' No. 6 prospect, a 24-year-old outfielder who impressed in spring training with a .333 batting average, three home runs, and seven RBIs.

Brian Cashman

The general manager of the New York Yankees, who acknowledged that other organizations might have already given Jones a look in the majors, but the Yankees feel it's best for his development to start the season in the minors.

Trent Grisham

An outfielder who the Yankees re-signed in the offseason, solidifying the starting outfield and leaving no clear path for Jones to break into the major league roster to start the season.

Cody Bellinger

An outfielder who the Yankees also re-signed in the offseason, further crowding the starting outfield and contributing to the decision to send Jones to the minors.

Elmer Rodríguez

A right-handed pitcher who the Yankees also optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and re-assigned to minor league camp.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In my mind, this is the best organization to play for. If opportunities come later, I think it's for a good reason, and that's because we're trying to help the team win a World Series.”

— Spencer Jones (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Yankees will continue to monitor Jones' progress in Triple-A, and he may get an opportunity to contribute at the major league level later in the season if injuries or other circumstances open up a spot in the crowded outfield.

The takeaway

The Yankees' decision to send Jones to the minors despite his strong spring training performance highlights the team's depth and commitment to developing their top prospects. While Jones may be disappointed, the organization believes this is the best path forward to help him reach his full potential and contribute to the team's pursuit of a World Series championship.