Two Players The 2025 Yankees Must Call Up To Save The Season

How Spencer Jones has not been called up to the team’s major league roster is beyond anyone’s guess. The 2022 first-rounder has not only made quantum leaps in areas that he struggled with, but he has also dominated high-level pitching in all aspects. An open roster spot absolutely should be occupied by Jones as he clearly looks MLB-ready.

The 24-year-old dominates in essentially every hitting metric across the board in Triple-A. He ranks at the 90th percentile or higher in exit velocity, barrel and hard hit rates, and expected slugging percentage. His speed also ranks in the 88th percentile, while his flyball pull rate ranks 66th.

Jones still suffers from a lack of discipline at the plate, with his strikeout rate being 31% at the Triple-A level. He also struggled with a 40% whiff rate and a 33% chase rate. It has come down from his 2024 numbers by steady margins, but there is obvious room for improvement on the lower part of the plate, where he seems to struggle the most.

When he does put the bat on the ball, it goes really far. Jones posts an expected slugging average of over .500 on all pitches except for the cutter, slider, and sweeper. Again, he does whiff on an alarmingly high rate of pitches, so there is a hole in his swing somewhere. But, with his 40% pull rate, expect him to knock a lot of home runs at Yankee Stadium if, and when, he is called up.

Yankees Have An Unlikely Hero In Brendan Beck

2025 Stats (Double/Triple-A): 20 games started; 12-3; 3.23 ERA; 108.2 IP; 84 H and 28 BB (1.03 WHIP); 13 HR; 96 K; .211 OBA

The Yankees’ rotation has been a major issue throughout the entire 2025 season. Injuries took away Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole, surprise signing Ryan Yarborough, and emerging mid-rotation piece Clarke Schmidt. In addition, Marcus Stroman wore out his welcome in the Bronx and Will Warren has been very inconsistent as a starter.

This is where Brendan Beck could slide into the back of the rotation. The 26-year-old has fought through injuries and delayed development to earn a spot on the expanded September roster. Plus, the team needs as many arms as it can for a potential postseason push.

Beck’s metrics are not the most impressive, ranking on the lower side in barrel percentage, hard hit percentage, and exit velocity. His walk rate, chase rate and whiff rate are better than the above, showing an ability to miss bats. His big Achilles heel his the long ball, surrendering 11 home runs in 54.1 innings at Triple-A. His ability to miss bats could be enough for the short term, but could push him out of rotation favorability.

Beck showcases a four-pitch arsenal, including dependence on his four-seamer and slider. He does have some issues when it comes to balls in play, getting rocked on his changeup and curveball, but having some success with his four-seamer. His slider is his most effective pitch, garnering a 36% whiff rate, but suffering from a 41% hard hit rate. He could fit better in the bullpen, but could make a spot-start if needed.

He could fit in as the fifth starter behind Luis Gil and fellow rookie Cam Schlittler. Any pitcher for the Yankees at this point is a good pitcher.

End Of My Yankees Roster Rant

With one month remaining in the season, the Yankees must win as many games as possible to boost their seeding and their chances of winning the AL East. The two players mentioned will boost both their offensive capabilities and their pitching staff for crunch time.

Both the Yankees offense and pitching have been pedestrian, even with Aaron Judge in the lineup. Jones offers some protection for Judge if he begins to falter again, while Beck could give relief to a strained staff. Maybe, just maybe, it could also save Aaron Boone’s job at the end of the season.