Yankees Reveal Plans for Power Prospect Spencer Jones

Top Yankees outfield prospect Spencer Jones will start 2026 season in Triple-A to continue development.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 3:15pm

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The New York Yankees have one of the top power-hitting prospects in the minor leagues in Spencer Jones, but the team's crowded outfield means Jones will need to start the 2026 season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to get everyday playing time and continue developing his skills, particularly his contact hitting, before potentially getting called up to the majors.

Why it matters

The Yankees have high hopes for Jones, a 6-foot-7 left-handed power hitter, but with established stars like Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Giancarlo Stanton already in the outfield and top prospect Jasson Dominguez also in the mix, the team wants to ensure Jones gets regular at-bats to refine his game before bringing him up to the majors.

The details

In 2025, Jones combined for 35 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A, showcasing his prodigious power potential. However, he also has a high strikeout rate, which the Yankees want to see him improve on before he joins the big-league club. The team will give Jones everyday playing time at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to work on making more consistent contact.

  • In 2025, Jones combined for 35 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A.

The players

Spencer Jones

A top power-hitting prospect in the Yankees' minor league system, Jones is a 6-foot-7 left-handed hitter with a prodigious swing but also a high strikeout rate that the team wants to see him improve on before bringing him up to the majors.

Aaron Judge

The Yankees' star outfielder, who also stands 6-foot-7 and has had contact issues of his own to work through in his rise through the minors.

Cody Bellinger

An established outfielder the Yankees acquired to bolster their lineup.

Giancarlo Stanton

The Yankees' designated hitter, who will also see time in the outfield.

Jasson Dominguez

A top Yankees prospect who will also factor into the team's outfield plans.

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What they’re saying

“Cashman revealed that Jones is going to need some time at Triple-A.”

— Brian Cashman, Yankees General Manager (Sporting News)

The takeaway

The Yankees' decision to keep top prospect Spencer Jones in the minors to start the 2026 season highlights the team's depth and talent in the outfield, as well as their commitment to developing Jones' skills, particularly his contact hitting, before bringing him up to the majors where he can maximize his prodigious power potential.