TAMPA — Spencer Jones Impresses in Spring Debut

Maybe, just maybe, the next time Spencer Jones steps up to bat at Steinbrenner Field, traffic on Dale Mabry Highway will take a pause, right? I mean, it would be for the best, considering the potential for flying baseballs when he’s at the plate.

His spring debut was pretty typical for him, but oh man, that home run he hit was something else. It soared right over everything—like, seriously cleared the right-field seats—before just vanishing from sight. He also struck out in his next couple of at-bats, but it’s the home run that stuck in everyone’s mind.

So, the 6-foot-7 lefty was still tinkering with his swing early in camp but managed to unleash that estimated 408-foot home run. Honestly, it was like nothing else.

“I’m just trying to find the right feel in my hands, getting it moving. It’s like a springboard for me,” Jones mentioned during the Yankees’ 20-3 blowout against the Tigers.

On the YES broadcast, David Cone drew comparisons, saying Jones’ swing reminded him a bit of Shohei Ohtani. It’s interesting, really; he pointed out that little toe tap Jones was using, which Jones later said he picked up from watching Ohtani.

“He’s a fantastic model for a good mover with an amazing swing,” Jones added, mentioning that he takes cues from Ohtani’s approach.

Jones also reached out to Aaron Judge, who, at 6-foot-7 himself, might have some insights on maximizing height. They’ve chatted about it before, and while Jones hit 35 home runs last season, striking out 179 times in 506 at-bats was certainly something he wanted to address.

Judge observed, “The thing with Jones is, he’s always ready to hit. The moment his foot touches down, he’s prepared.” Maybe they’ve been throwing him high pitches, and this new focus could help him. “Getting rid of that big leg kick is going to allow him to be quicker,” he noted.

In other news, Carlos LaGrange made his much-anticipated Grapefruit League debut, showcasing his impressive fastball yet allowing two runs, one of which was earned, in just two-thirds of an inning. He managed three hits, one walk, and had a couple of strikeouts, all on changeups.

LaGrange remarked about his debut, “It’s kind of a dream come true wearing these pinstripes and being out there for the first big league spring training game.” At just 22, this 6-foot-7 pitcher is catching the eye of Yankees officials and teammates alike.

Judge certainly seems to believe in him, saying, “Carlos has the potential to be a front-line starter for the New York Yankees.” That’s quite a statement, isn’t it?

Cam Schrittler also made some noise, throwing a bullpen session that day. He was supposed to go two innings, which could be his final step before facing batters again; he’s been out of action with mid-back issues since the camp started.

And, oh, Russell Wilson dropped by the Yankees’ clubhouse that morning, shaking hands with players. Some were a bit surprised, which, I guess, makes sense considering that’s the Giants’ quarterback walking in.