The Yankees are focusing on Spencer Jones, not Livvy Dunne, when it comes to potential trades.
They are prioritizing securing a standout pitcher from the Pirates but have made it clear that Jones won’t be part of trade negotiations for top talents like Paul Skens or Sandy Alcantara from the Marlins, as noted by John Heyman.
Part of the reason the Yankees didn’t make significant moves during the trade deadline appears to stem from their hesitance to include Jones in any discussions.
When asked about Jones’s status after the deadline, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman didn’t provide a direct answer regarding the player’s untouchability.
Cashman acknowledged Jones’s impressive year and his progression post-draft, expressing excitement about his potential future, despite the fact some players remain more tradable than others.
His remarks indicated that the Yankees hold Jones in high regard, which suggests they see him as a possible young star.
Should he not rise to that level, the team might face intense scrutiny.
There’s a level of optimism regarding Jones’s chances to become an All-Star, especially when considering the prowess of Suken, a second-year pitcher with an enviable ERA of 1.89.
This philosophy of retaining players reflects the organization’s belief in Jones’s potential.
However, perspectives within the industry vary. Jones ranks as the Yankees’ fourth outlook but isn’t placed among the top 100 prospects, according to MLB.com.
Heyman also mentioned the team’s unwillingness to trade their top prospect, George Lombard Jr., for Alcantara.
The divide in opinions on Jones seems to hinge on whether his high strikeout rate will hinder his ability to be a prolific hitter or if, instead, that’s just part of his growth.
Joey Gallo’s experience serves as a cautionary tale here; he led in strikeouts in 2021 but still managed to hit 38 home runs with notable RBIs before struggling in 2022.
This year, Jones has dealt with a strikeout rate of 36.6% over 262 at-bats but has countered that with 29 home runs and a solid OPS of 1.115.
He excelled particularly in Triple-A, achieving a .402 batting average with 13 home runs in just 21 games, leading to an impressive OPS of 1.381.
Given his minor league performance, he’s currently sitting at a striking 35.8% home run ratio in his at-bats.
For now, Jones is expected to stay in Triple-A, especially with Aaron Justice sidelined. His future with the Yankees remains a topic of interest as they plan their next moves.
There’s speculation about striking a deal for Suken if he transitions into a more consistent role next season, or possible talks with the Pirates.
