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Ex-MLB GM Picks Yankees Prospect Likely to Be in a Deadline Deal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jul 3, 2025 3:05 PM ET

If the Yankees do pull the trigger on a major deal at this year’s trade deadline, former MLB GM Jim Bowden believes the top prospect on the move would be Spencer Jones.

In his column for The Athletic, Bowden Wednesday, ranked the most likely prospects to be traded, and Jones, the Yankees’ top outfield talent, came in at No. 5 overall, making him the highest-ranked Yankees prospect on the list.

That doesn't mean he believes Jones would be traded, but if the Yankees are ready to pull off a blockbuster, he could be gone.

“I’m not sure I believe that the Yankees will trade Jones,” Bowden wrote. “But if he is dealt, expect it to be a huge deal for a top starter or an impact second or third baseman.”

Jones, 24 is slashing .283/.396/.628 with 19 home runs, 35 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A. He’s shown plus power and athleticism. He has also shown struggles with plate disciplined and the Yankees started him back in Double-A this season to deal with it.

And now that Juan Soto is in Queens, Jones may have a clearer long-term path to the Yankees’ outfield. But in the short term, he’s also the prospect most likely to get another team to listen.

The Yankees need help at third base, second base, and possibly in the rotation. They have prospect depth, but not a surplus of upper-level, impact-ready talent. If they go big, Jones is the piece that makes it possible.

Bowden doesn’t expect the Yankees to deal him — but if they do?

It won’t be for a complementary part. It’ll be for someone who changes the lineup or the rotation in October.

And Spencer Jones may be the prospect that makes that kind of deal work.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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