New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Yankees only willing to part with top prospect for one specific player

By Jackson Weber | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 2:24 PM ET

The New York Yankees (59-49) have already been quite busy as buyers ahead of the July 31 (6 p.m. EST) trade deadline.

Third baseman Ryan McMahon, infielder Amed Rosario and outfielder Austin Slater have all been added to the fold over the last week as Brian Cashman looks to push his roster over the top in pursuit of a World Series.

While the Yankees have been active, they've done so without giving up any of their top prospects. Outfielder Spencer Jones continues to be a hot commodity around baseball, though New York is hesitant to deal him. Unless that is for Pirates superstar starting pitcher Paul Skenes, that is.

MLB insider Jon Heyman shared the report on Thursday afternoon.

Teams with good/great pieces consistently ask the Yankees about top OF prospect Spencer Jones . The Yankees are consistent on this too: They will only trade Jones (and others in package) for Paul Skenes, who’s not available and not going anywhere.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2025

Cashman and the Yankees clearly hold Jones in very high regard, which makes sense given he's lit up both AA and AAA in 2025.

The 24-year-old is batting an impressive .402 with 13 HRs and 25 RBI in just 21 games since getting called up to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. His 6'7, 240-pound frame and skillset as a left-handed hitter are tantalizing, and he'll be ready to make an impact at the big league level sooner rather than later.

Despite that, there's no question the Yankees should and would be willing to put him on the table in a trade for Skenes. The 23-year-old has been absolutely dominant to start his MLB career, with a 1.89 earned run average through his first 45 starts. He's already emerged as one of, if not the best, pitchers in baseball, with plenty of room to grow.

The Pirates (47-62) have shown zero inclination or willingness to move on from Skenes, though you have to figure that teams like the Yankees will continue to call as long as Pittsburgh continues to struggle.

It feels like a pipe dream for now, but holding out hope for Skenes to one day become available could be worth the wait, and no prospect would be excluded in such a deal.

Jackson Weber

Jackson Weber is a sports writer with a BComm in Business and Sport Management from the University of Guelph. While he has focused primarily on NHL coverage in recent years, he brings strong knowledge and passion for the NFL, MLB, and NBA. Following all four major leagues year-round, Jackson delivers honest, opinion-driven stories on the biggest topics in sports

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