1 player Yankees must trade before spring training

Presently, Trent Grisham, Jasson Dominguez, and Judge are all slated to be major contributors in 2026. Further, it is possible that the Yankees could acquire either Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger to aid their outfield.

Even if New York were to call up Jones to begin the season, he would not receive a great deal of playing time. The outfield is crowded, and Giancarlo Stanton will likely serve as the team’s primary designated hitter.

One could argue that the team could choose to platoon Jones with Dominguez in the outfield, but such a suggestion assumes that they do not acquire another high-impact player, and also does not view Dominguez as a player with everyday potential.

Jones is clearly talented, but the Yankees do not have space for him to thrive at the major league level. Unless their immediate plans have changed, moving the 24-year-old could be the course of action that allows the current core a chance to win.

Spencer Jones’ strong resume makes him a prime trade candidate

Across 116 games with Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Jones mashed 35 home runs, collected 80 RBIs, and posted a .933 OPS. While some still have questions regarding his ability to limit strikeouts, many within New York’s organization feel as though he’s shown enough to earn a closer look.
“He handled his business at the Minor League level,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. “Now he comes in with probably a more realistic look. Whether it’s to start the season or not, we’ll see, but it’s probably a more realistic look to where he’s now knocking on the door of the big leagues.”

Jones has also personally commented on the subject and went as far as to say that his mission this spring is to show the Yankees that he belongs in pinstripes.

“Trying to prove to them every reason why you should be there,” he said. “Being as competitive as possible and showing them how bad you want it, that’s important. That’s going to be my job going into camp.”

A player with such a unique combination of talent and competitive will is hard to come by, and while most clubs would jump at the chance to promote him, the Yankees have needs that he will not be able to presently fulfill.

New York has not enjoyed a powerful offseason thus far, but trading Jones could grant them the chance to acquire a player or two who could aid their quest to bring home the 28th title in team history.